Gardens Designed to Slow Life Down
You deserve an outdoor space that feels as considered as the house it belongs to. Calm, balanced and built to last.
Full-Service Landscaping Design & Construction
Australian Native + Japanese Garden Specialist
Trusted by Victorians for 20+ Years
Ponds & Artisanal Water Features
Japanese Garden Specialist
Amazing, such a beautiful peaceful space
Landscape Design Kew
Felicity Hunter
"Christian and his team created an amazing front and back yard for me about 3 years ago. It's grown into such an tranquil and beautiful space. I remember at the time interviewing several landscape designers and Christian was the only one I felt an immediate connection to as he was confident, had an amazing catalogue of work and experience. I love my garden and could not have achieved this result without Christian's creativity and passion for contemporary gardens."
Jennifer Harrison
"Christian Jenkins renovated our garden beautifully. He was a pleasure to work with and presented an excellent team of workers. The garden design was thoughtful and innovative for the space. I would have no second thoughts about employing Christian Jenkins Garden Design again."
Hey there, my name's Christian Jenkins
I'm an internationally recognised, multi-award-winning landscape designer with over 20 years of experience. I craft outdoor spaces across Melbourne that bring harmony, movement and lasting beauty to everyday life.
The Difference Between a Garden and a Landscape That Moves You
Kew gardens are special. Grand period homes. Mature trees that have stood for generations. Established gardens with a story to tell.
Great landscaping isn't just plants and pavers. It's about connection. Between house and garden. Between old and new. Between you and the space you live in.
We combine two decades of Japanese landscape design, native plant knowledge and seamless landscape construction. The result is a garden evoking balance, purpose, and tranquillity..
"Truly the vision, quality and skill is beyond my limited capacity to explain."
– Patricia Durdin
Why Kew Homeowners Choose Christian Jenkins
Award-Winning Expertise
Winner of Best in Show and the Innovative Design Award at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Landscape design and construction for Omar & Oz's winning garden on The Block 2022.
Integrated Design and Construction
One team. One vision. An end-to-end journey from on-site consultation through design, construction and completion.
Respect for Heritage and Mature Trees
We design around Kew's period homes, heritage overlays and established canopy. Nothing is lost that should be kept.
Timeless Landscapes
Every project is built to endure through Melbourne's seasons and trends.
Native Plant Knowledge
We design with Australia's ecology. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance beauty that lasts.
Personalised Communication
You'll work directly with Christian and our design team from start to finish.
Design Philosophy
YUTORI: Authentic, Tranquil & Timeless
Our design practice draws inspiration from the Australian landscape and Japanese garden principles. Structure meets serenity.
Every line, plant and texture is intentional. Every movement of light and water is considered.
In Kew, that often means restraint. A courtyard that frames an Edwardian facade. A front garden that respects the streetscape. A planting scheme that softens a contemporary extension without competing with it.
Our goal is to make nature feel both sculptural and effortless.
"The world moves fast. Your garden should slow it down."
– Christian Jenkins
Designing for Kew's Established Gardens and Council Requirements
Much of Kew is covered by heritage overlays, and mature trees that are protected by local law. Planning considerations shape what's possible.
We handle this for you. Our designs account for:
Heritage overlays and front garden character
Canopy tree provisions and working around mature trees
Setback constraints on period and contemporary homes
Site permeability requirements for new paving and hard landscaping
Council landscape plans when a planning permit calls for one
Poor drainage and the microclimates created by large trees and sloping blocks
Our Landscape Design Services
Our scope spans residential properties and commercial landscapes, including courtyards, small gardens, and estates.
Landscape Design and Construction
Full design and construction service, from concept to creation.
Garden Design and Planting Design
A planting scheme that suits your site conditions, soil and light.
Hard Landscaping
Paving, decking, retaining walls and outdoor rooms built to last.
Soft Landscaping
Turf installation, synthetic turf, planting and irrigation.
Water Features and Fire Pits
Add balance and warmth to outdoor entertaining.
Pool Landscaping
Swimming pool design and the gardens that surround it.
Japanese Garden Design
Tranquil spaces shaped by Yutori, our Japanese garden design studio.
Garden Maintenance and Enhancements
Keep your landscape thriving and timeless.
Our Process
Your Path To a Dream Garden
1
On-site Consultation
We visit your Kew property to understand your site and share our vision for your garden. You'll see how a practical, beautiful design can make the most of your space.
2
Establish Design Brief
We work with you to establish a Design Brief tailored to your needs. We set accurate, realistic goals, including any heritage or council requirements.
3
Concept Drawings
We provide Concept Drawings based on your Design Brief. This is your chance to see what's in your head, and in ours, and visualise the final concept.
4
Final Drawings
Our Final Drawings give you an accurate plan and a complete list of what needs to be done before moving on to construction.
Garden Design Packages
Detailed Process Outline below
Garden Design Package A
All design charges 50% upfront deposit prior to starting the design process.
Package includes:
Garden Design
1 x Concept Design of 2D Garden Plan
Plants and Materials list
Package A is for gardens with a standard block size 400-800 square meters and it offers a 2D view concept plan with feature plants and materials schedule. It would suit the client who is looking for a simple garden design.
Garden Design Package B
All design charges 50% upfront deposit prior to starting the design process.
Package includes:
Garden Design
1 x Concept Design of 2D Garden Plan
Plants and Materials list
1 x Concept Design of 3D Rendering
1 x Free Revision
Package B develops the concept 2D plan further with a 3D view. It would help our clients to visualise the design, and it suits a garden needing a more complex design with multiple zones and elements. Please see examples of our 3D views on the next page or on our website.
Package A Process
Stage 1: Consultation & Onsite Measurements
Provide fee proposal & Acceptance of fee proposal.
Our friendly In-house designer will be in contact for onsite measurements if needed.
Welcome to discuss any further information or ideas with our designer onsite.
It is important to tell us more about your needs and preferences at this stage. Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss.
Stage 2: Concept Design
Concept design of one 2D plan.
A list of feature plants and finishes schedule.
Client feedback & Meeting in office is prefered to discuss any changes.
One free revision of the 2D plan will be provided.
Client approval of the concept design.
Fees may apply for additional changes and revisions. Please speak to our friendly staff for more information.
Stage 3: Before Construction
Project cost will be generated after your approval of the design, along with detailed planting & finish schedules.
Our construction team will be in contact to discuss starting date.
Package B Process
Stage 1: Consultation & Onsite Measurements
Provide fee proposal & Acceptance of fee proposal.
Our friendly In-house designer will be in contact for onsite measurements if needed.
Welcome to discuss any further information or ideas with our designer onsite.
It is important to tell us more about your needs and preferences at this stage. Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss.
Stage 2: Concept Design
Concept design of one 2D plan.
Client feedback & Meeting in office is prefered to discuss any changes.
One free revision of the 2D plan will be provided.
Client approval of the concept design.
Fees may apply for additional changes and revisions. Please speak to our friendly staff for more information.
Stage 3: Design Development
One 3D rendering.
A list of key plants & materials.
Client feedback & approval.
Only minor changes of plants & materials can be made at this stage. Fees may apply for any hardscape changes.
Stage 4: Before Construction
Project cost will be generated in a week, along with detailed planting & finish schedules.
Our construction team will be in contact to discuss starting date.
From Our Clients
A rock star landscaper!... Over three months, rain or shine, he and his crew worked hard to meet the brief - a low maintenance, beautiful garden that is hardy enough for two big dogs. Christian's rock techniques and the magic he coaxes from his machines is something to witness.
He delivered an impressive result and within budget. I would highly recommend him, with no reservations.
Rock on!
Yifat Glikmann-Johnston
I engaged Christian to create a Japanese inspired garden and I couldn’t be happier with the result, at every stage of my project I found Christian and his team a pleasure to deal with and I would have no hesitation in recommending him and his team.
I love my new garden
Shane McIlvain
Christian and his team listened carefully to our garden vision and worked with us to bring it to life. What started out as a very uninspiring, dull courtyard is now a lush, tranquil and inviting wellness area for us to sit in and enjoy. Christian was enthusiastic, positive and had ideas that came together beautifully to make an area we will enjoy for years to come. We recommend him to anyone wanting to design and create a fabulous garden space.
Lisa Bailey
FAQ
Kew Landscape Design Common Questions Answered
Over 20 years of experience, multiple awards at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show and projects across Australia and China. Christian's work has featured in more than 50 magazine publications, including interviews with Better Homes and Gardens. Most importantly, you work directly with Christian from start to finish.
Yes. We offer full design and construction, so one team takes your project from on-site consultation through to completion. Our construction project management means no handoffs and no lost details between the plan and the build.
Your journey starts with a 30-45 minute on-site consultation for $150. From there, we provide a Fee Proposal based on your garden's size and complexity. Design fees require a 50% deposit before work begins. Construction costs are quoted once you approve the design, so you know the full picture before anything is built.
It depends on your property. Works like removing a large tree, changing a heritage front garden or building close to boundaries may need approval. We assess this at your on-site consultation and prepare the council landscape plans and documentation your project needs.
Yes. It's one of our favourite challenges. Mature trees give gardens their character. We plan paving, retaining walls and planting to protect root zones and work with the shade and microclimates the canopy creates.
Absolutely. Some of our most loved projects are courtyards and small gardens. Every square metre is considered, so a compact space can feel calm, private and generous.
Yes. Native garden design is at the heart of what we do. We blend native and drought-tolerant plants with Japanese garden principles to create gardens that thrive in Melbourne's climate with less water and less maintenance.
A 30-45 minute visit to your Kew property. We walk the site, talk through your ideas, note heritage or council considerations and discuss drainage, light and access. You'll leave with a clear sense of what's possible and the next steps.
Yes. We regularly work alongside landscape architects, architects and builders. Whether we lead the landscape architecture and design or build to another designer's plans, we bring the same care to the finished garden.
We specialise in a broad scope spanning residential and commercial landscapes, including horizontal, vertical and rooftop gardens, outdoor rooms, lagoons, ponds and swimming pools. Always grounded in Japanese design principles, blending exotic planting with Australian natives.
We start with your site. Soil, drainage, sun, shade and the microclimates around your home. Then we build a planting scheme around how you want the garden to feel. Our horticulture knowledge means every plant is chosen to thrive, not just to look good on day one.
There are four steps: on-site consultation, design brief, concept drawings and final drawings. Package B adds a 3D rendering so you can see your garden before it's built. Once approved, our construction team schedules your start date. Start with an initial consultation by calling us on 03 4206 6332 or via our online form.
Ready for a Garden That Invites Calm?
Imagine stepping outside to a garden that honours your home and slows your day down.
One team, from first sketch to council planning and construction
Two decades of award-winning landscape design, right here in Melbourne
Internationally recognised, multi-award-winning landscape designer.
Designs shaped around Kew's period homes, heritage overlays and mature trees
The creativity, deep listening, quality materials, workmanship and plant knowledge (and love) have not only transformed this courtyard, but my whole experience of being home
