Get to Know Kate Ephraums

kate ephraums

Landsberg Garden Design Business Manager

What or who inspired you to start gardening – working with the landscape?

My mother and grandmother have always gardened. We always joked that my grandmother could turn a stick into an orange tree. I remember as a child being told to talk to the plants as we watered them so that they would grow. However it wasn’t until I went onsite to a client’s garden, that I truly appreciated the role of the garden. It was amazing to see the garden transform from being a nice ancillary of the house to place in its own right; full of delight, energy and life. It was beautiful and that moment has stayed with me.

What has working in the landscape/building a garden/being in the garden given you?

So much joy! And lots of fresh herbs and veg!

 Our current ‘working’ garden is under construction – literally! We have a 2.4 x 2.7m square patch that I’ve weeded by hand, with the ‘help’ of my two boys. Progress is slow but we’ve discovered worms and the toy trucks have done an excellent job of moving the dirt around. I love how engaged they are with the garden, it’s an opportunity for them to learn how tomatoes grow, that chilli is spicy, and mint is delicious; we have to wait patiently for the strawberries to ripen and we have to care for our plants by watering them regularly. My garden gives me so much joy.

 It also is a place for me to refocus and connect. We’ve just moved from a unit to a house, and I think we now spend more time outside than we do inside. There’s space for Henry to ride his bike and we often find James discovering new parts of the garden, like how soft and wavy the mondo grass is. For me, it’s a cup of coffee in the morning sun where the deck meets the garden. It’s time for me to reflect before our busy day starts.  

How and why would you like to inspire other people into the natural world? 

I’d encourage others to connect with our natural world. We all lead very busy lives but the simple act of caring for your garden nurtures that connection but also your relationship with all things in it, including yourself! Gardens come in many shapes and sizes. If you’re limited on space, it might be caring for an indoor plant or some herbs on your dining table. Whereas bigger gardens offer places to play and relax.