Practices lead by landscape architects Andrew Laidlaw and Phillip Withers collaborated to create the Wildflower garden, for the VRC at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington 2021. Inspired by the shape, form and colour of the late Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, the teams created a walkthrough garden defined by a profusion of mounded form, colour and experience. 

The landscape surrounded the exciting Melbourne Cup major event program, and was guided by the natural Australian landscape. Including areas of Australian native wild flowers, grasses and sections of exotic colour and form. Plus the living sculpture to define a more gardenesque feel towards the core of the garden.

The landscape was defined by over 5000 plants of colour and diversity especially grown by Botanix Tree Supply, Tall Trees and a host of Australia’s premier growers to capture the essence of experience and enrich the spring opening.

The area was brought to life with natural Australian materials lead by natural rock formation seating, from Bamstone located in the beautiful town of Port Fairy on Victoria’s West Coast. As the gardens were defined by the curved flowing environment edged by the natural Formboss corten steel, with Lawn mounds by the coveted Victorian Lilydale Lawn. These elements helped to define the sculpted topography and brought to life an experience for people to relax and enjoy the Melbourne Cup entertainment.

Collaborators

Material

• Bamstone
• Formboss

• Lilydale Instant Lawn

Plant Life

• Botanix Plant Supply
• Tall Trees
• Palm Place
• Palm life
• Narkabundah Native Nursery
• Plantex Nursery
• Plants Galore
• Tree growers Australia

Construction

• Green Event