At Sharon Harris Garden Design, we have been consulting and designing since 1992, and from day one our motto has been “Creating Individual Gardens“.
Sharon’s plant knowledge is extensive ranging from perennials, to grasses, to succulents, to cacti, to woodland, and more formal plantings. Her love of an eclectic variety of plant types enables her to create plant combinations which challenge what is normally expected in a planting design.
There is a strong emphasis on plants in her designs as opposed to relying heavily on hard landscaping, with the plants and planting fundamental in creating both form and structure. Sharon’s designs both large and small gardens in Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula.
The underlying philosophy in Sharon’s design practice is that a garden should be a space that speaks to the soul; when all the elements in a garden are in balance no one aspect of the garden stands out. When all the elements work together a space is created that welcomes and envelops you. Gardens need to be practical as well as beautiful, function and beauty can be, and should be, the same thing. To ensure that these two aspects are seamless is what influences all Sharon’s decisions in both her own garden and in her designs. Gardens are not static, they are living, dynamic works of art that should be beautiful and liveable.
Fundamental to Sharon as her role as a garden designer is to create a garden that a client would create for themselves if they had the ability to. “A Garden is something different to each person and the role of a garden designer is to understand the client, their requirements and their needs… Whether the garden is to be a simple garden in layers of different greens; a vegetable garden; a drought tolerant garden; a meadow garden or a shade garden, or a combination of many different styles. The most important thing to remember is that it is not my garden but the client’s garden.
A space that is as peaceful as it is beautiful. No matter what challenges we face as garden designers, this is the kind of designed space I always strive for.”
Your garden is more than just plants—it’s a sanctuary that speaks to the soul. Whether you’re based in Melbourne, the high country around Bendoc, Eastern Victoria or southeastern NSW, our approach begins with a thoughtful on-site consultation to explore your vision, lifestyle, site constraints, and climatic conditions.
Initial meeting (at your home or via Zoom) to discuss aspirations, style, budget, and environmental preferences.
Detailed site analysis, accounting for microclimates—especially in the cooler mountain region around Bendoc where winters are colder and seasons more defined.
A concept design featuring layout sketches, planting themes (drought-tolerant natives, alpine plants, woodland mixes), and materials.
Design refinements based on your feedback, culminating in a final design pack: scaled plans, plant schedules, sectional visuals, and maintenance notes.
Collaboration with builders/landscapers as needed, or DIY guidance using our design documents.
Our experience in Melbourne gardens blends seamlessly with our mountain living knowledge. We understand both city suburban soils and highland conditions, giving you a design that truly thrives.
Garden Consultation + Design – Servicing Melbourne metro, Eastern Victoria (Bendoc/High country), and south-eastern NSW.
Ready to bring your landscape vision to life?
Get in touch to book a consultation and explore how your garden can become a living extension of your home and identity.
