Africa Meets Australia in Rare Show Garden

Renowned landscape architect Matt York is set to debut his latest show garden, In Ratio with Africa, at the prestigious Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), running from March 26–30.

The striking garden explores the synergies of garden design between Africa and Australia, with resilient design, rare Queensland bottle trees and sustainable water features. 

Drawing on his extensive experience working on international projects across Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, Matt York brings a truly global perspective to this year’s show garden.

In Ratio with Africa delves into the universal patterns that shape outdoor living—examining how different cultures use light, space, water, and plants to create meaningful, functional environments.

York’s design also includes the sustainable reuse of water to cool the urban space and enhance the sensory experience of the garden. 

A key feature of the cross-cultural garden is the inclusion of three rare Queensland bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris), inspired by Ghana’s Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) and the deep cultural connection that Australian First Nations and Ghanaian communities have with their respective bottle tree species. 

Key contributors to the show garden include lead contractor Stewart BuildCo, Cosh Living, Warners Nursery, Kuranga Native Nursery, Speciality Trees, Palm Life, Coolabah Turf, Shapescaper, Nero tapware, Fuegos JL, and Surefire hot tubs. 

“Our garden explores the shared cultural influences shaping garden design across Africa and Australia. I’m excited to showcase how resilient design principles from around the world can make a meaningful impact,” York said.

“By thoughtfully considering deep soils, podiums and sustainable water features, even small garden spaces can support the growth of large trees and help to cool our city as we expand to a population of 8 million.”

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