About
Hi, I'm Sue Meli
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Landscape Designer
With over 25 years of experience designing gardens across the Macedon Ranges and Melbourne, I have worked on a diverse range of projects—from small courtyard retreats to expansive rural landscapes.
My designs are practical, enduring, and thoughtfully tailored to each site and client. I pride myself on successful collaborations with local trades, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in every garden I create.
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Gardening has been a lifelong passion. Growing up on a rural farm in northwest Tasmania, I was surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the northwest coast, where I developed a deep respect for the environment.
After many years in nursing, I returned to study horticulture and landscape design, turning that passion into a career.
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Even after two decades in the industry, my enthusiasm for creating beautiful and functional gardens remains as strong as ever.
I find great satisfaction in transforming under-utilised spaces into thriving, inviting landscapes that enrich the lives of my clients and the wider community.
Each project is an opportunity to craft something unique—blending artistry, environmental sensitivity, and a practical approach to outdoor living.
Why engage a landscape designer?
Designing a garden is about more than choosing plants or laying out paths—it's about creating an outdoor space that reflects your lifestyle, enhances your home, and connects with the surrounding environment.
Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing garden, working with a landscape designer brings structure, creativity, and long-term vision to the process.
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Here's why it makes a difference:
Clarity of vision​
Clients often have ideas, inspiration, or wish lists—but translating that into a cohesive plan can be difficult.
A landscape designer helps you clarify and express your vision, creating a practical design that reflects your style, priorities, and site conditions.
Efficient communication with landscapers​
A professionally drawn plan becomes the bridge between you and your contractor.
It reduces misunderstandings, allows for accurate quoting, and ensures that the design intent is clear from start to finish.
Tailored to site & lifestyle​
Every site is different. A landscape designer brings a trained eye to challenges like slope, sun, soil, and microclimate—and tailors the design accordingly.
Your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and future needs are also considered, ensuring a garden that works for you.
Plant knowledge that lasts​
Plant selection is not just about aesthetics—it’s about longevity, performance, and place.
I draw on years of experience with both native and exotic species to create planting schemes that mature gracefully and thrive in your environment.
Avoiding common pitfalls​
Many gardens fail because they weren’t properly planned.
Poor plant selection, lack of structure, inadequate drainage, or simply placing the right plant in the wrong spot can lead to disappointment and wasted money.
A landscape designer helps avoid these issues by considering how your garden will grow, change, and be used over time.
Cohesive long-term results
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From flow and structure to materials and textures, a landscape designer brings everything together in a way that feels natural and intentional.
Whether you build it all at once or in stages, a master plan helps you avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions as your garden evolves.