Frances Hale From Peachy Green
Frances Hale is founder and principal designer at Peachy Green – we chat to Frances about her work journey, her passion for creating gardens that have a transformative impact and why landscape design is her dream job.
Photography: Sarah Pannell, Rory Gardiner, Dianna Snape & Tom Blachford
8 Yard House, Fitzroy North – landscape design by Peachy Green, architecture by Studio Bright. Photo: Rory Gardiner
‘We believe that the garden should be an extension of the house, creating a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces,’ says Frances Hale. Pictured: 8 Yard House, Fitzroy North – landscape design by Peachy Green, architecture by Studio Bright. Photo: Rory Gardiner
Frances Hale, Peachy Green founder and principal designer. Photo: Sarah Pannell
‘We aim to create gardens that seamlessly extend the vision of the house into the outdoor space,’ says Frances Green. Pictured: Fairfield Hacienda – landscape design by Peachy Green. Photo: Sarah Pannell
Casa Yarraville – landscape design by Peachy Green. Photo: Dianna Snape
Hi Frances – what led you here, and how has your journey evolved?
Frances: I studied Horticulture Landscape Design in New Zealand in my early twenties. I moved to Melbourne to pursue a career in a city where design matters to people. I was very fortunate to have some great mentors early in my career, such as Eugene Gilligan in Melbourne. I still have many of the same values for my business the way Eugene taught me. And Ernst Van der Hoeven in Amsterdam, a landscape architect with such an interesting handle on creativity and beauty – he shared many lasting lessons. I started Peachy Green, working from home in 2011 and it’s grown organically for there. It has evolved from a part-time job, where I spent most of my time drawing plans for people and driving around wholesale nurseries picking up plants in the book of my car and never charging anyone for my time because I just loved doing it so much, to a well-run organised small business with a team of people.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
Yes, we have a structure in our office, well-honed after many years of understanding how to run a project end to end. We have systems and processes in place. These practices contribute to our design process and keep the team focused on our shared goals. I’m a big fan of blocking time in the diary, meeting free days, consistency and sticking to our tried and tested methods.
What/who influences your work the most?
Many of the worlds landscape architects, Ground Studio, Terre motto, Luciano Giubbilei, Dan Pearson, Dan Kiley, Alex Hanazaki, Daniel Nunes, Orca Landscapes and Dan Nolan Designs. Collaborating with talented architects also influences our designs, as we aim to create gardens that seamlessly extend the vision of the house into the outdoor space.
Your work honours and reflects the architecture of the home – why is this so important?
We believe that the garden should be an extension of the house, creating a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Honouring and reflecting the architecture ensures a cohesive design that enhances the overall aesthetic and experience of the home. In my mind a soft layered organic garden is key to balancing bold architecture.
Sustainability is important for you – how do you ensure that a garden is sustainable?
Sustainability, to us, means building landscapes that endure and age beautifully. We prioritise natural materials, local stone and timber, water-sensitive and hardy plant species, and enriching soils with organic matter. Harvesting water for irrigation further aligns with our commitment to creating robust, environmentally conscious landscapes.
Why is this your dream job?
Designing lush green sanctuaries that bring joy and calm into people's homes is incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the transformative impact of a well-designed garden on individuals and families is what makes this my dream job.
Why is a garden such an important part of a home?
A garden serves as a sanctuary, providing a sense of calm and connection with nature. It adds beauty to the home and becomes a space for rejuvenation, creating a haven that enhances the overall wellbeing of its inhabitants.
8 Yard House, Fitzroy North – landscape design by Peachy Green, architecture by Studio Bright. Photo: Rory Gardiner
‘We prioritise natural materials, local stone and timber, water-sensitive and hardy plant species, and enriching soils with organic matter.’ Photo: Sarah Pannell
“Witnessing the transformative impact of a well designed garden on individuals and families is what makes this my dream job.”
Casa Yarraville – landscape design by Peachy Green. Photo: Dianna Snape
Henry Street, Northcote – landscape design by Peachy Green, architecture by Kesminas Architects. Photo: Tom Blachford
‘You can not anticipate how plants will grow together in any given setting, I see our gardens as an experiment, hoping to create unexpected moments of beauty and magic as plant combinations evolve.’ Photo: Sarah Pannell
‘Our gardens are lush, layered, plant focused and seek to create a sense of calm. They reflect the beauty of sustainably sourced, raw materials, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding architecture and community.’ Pictured: Sharp Street, Northcote – landscape design by Peachy Green. Photo: Sarah Pannell
The best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
The importance of listening, harnessing, understanding, capturing the client's true desires and emotions for their garden. By delving deep into their aspirations, we can create landscapes that go beyond expectations and truly resonate with the client.
How would you personally describe the aesthetic of your gardens?
Our gardens are lush, layered, plant focused and seek to create a sense of calm. They reflect the beauty of sustainably sourced, raw materials, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding architecture and community. We are not seeking perfection. You can not anticipate how plants will grow together in any given setting, I see our gardens as an experiment, hoping to create unexpected moments of beauty and magic as plant combinations evolve.
What drives your creativity?
Nature itself, with its textures, colours and overall composition is a constant source of inspiration. Getting the balance and layout of the space feeling right becomes an instinct. Searching for this balance drives my creativity.
Where do you mainly gather inspiration for your work?
Just life. Everything everywhere. Inspiration often comes from everyday experiences, such as walking and observing. Of course travelling and new environments offer new inspiration. Collaborating with talented architects and working with the materials of each site also sparks ideas.
How do you think Australian garden design differs from what we’re seeing internationally?
Australian garden design has embraced native plants, and emulates the natural Australian landscape, especially those that are drought-tolerant and hardy. This shift not only aligns with sustainable practices but also contributes to a sense of place in urban, suburban and coastal/rural areas. This focus on native species sets Australian design apart.
Favourite plants that you’re working with at the moment?
We're drawn to native Australian plants due to their resilience, drought tolerance, and ability to contribute to the local biodiversity. These plants not only thrive in various conditions, but also add a unique and distinctly Australian character to our designs. We also love a city-trop lush leafy vibe for a resort poolside feeling, inspired by Mexican/Brazilian/Indonesian gardens. Mediterranean plants and flowering wild meadow perennials and soft ornamental grasses will always be a staple of our gardens – they work so well with a native palette. Conifers are also a personal favourite. We love them all and don’t restrict ourselves to a particular style of planting.
Proudest work moment so far?
Probably setting up the studio 4 years ago and doing a fit-out. The business became a more focused/visible entity at this time. Our office is a lovely place to invite our clients and collaborators and feels very grown up.
What’s coming up for Peachy Green that you’re most excited about?
We have several exciting projects in construction and design stages that we're eager to see come to life. The momentum of the business has taken off and there are always many projects at one time on the go. The transformations of these spaces into lush green sanctuaries and witnessing the positive impact on our clients is always an exciting endeavour.