> Skip to content

Q&A  •  3 November 2016

 

Paul Bangay Q&A

The much-loved garden designer discusses his unique landscape philosophy.

What is it about country gardens that continues to capture your imagination?
For me country gardens are all about scale: the expanse of large lawns, the depth and breadth of garden beds and the diversity of plants that space affords you. The softness that flows from all these elements completely captivates me.

How would you describe your gardening philosophy?
My philosophy involves time as a large component. I try to create gardens that are both timeless and contemporary – classic in their layout yet soft in their layering. Another important part of my philosophy is appropriateness: the garden should belong to the site and even more importantly to the style of architecture it surrounds. 

Is there a garden in the book that you think encapsulates your gardening philosophy?
My own garden at Stonefields certainly encapsulates all my design philosophies. Free from the constraints of clients and timelines, I can express exactly how I feel.

Can you tell us about a particularly challenging aspect of one (or more) of the gardens featured in the book, and how you overcame the challenge(s)?
Mt Algidus in New Zealand presented huge challenges due to its climatic conditions. This location high in the South Island alps of New Zealand, where it regularly snows and is subject to intense winds, presented a huge challenge in terms of the planting scheme. I protected the garden from the winds by planting hedges to protect the beds. The plants were then selected utilising my experience from Stonefields where it also snows and is subject to wind. 

What’s a weapon in your gardening arsenal that Bangay fans may find surprising?
My love of roses and colour. As I mature I grow more and more in love with softer colourful planting schemes. 

Do you feel as if your style has changed over the years?
My style is always changing. As a designer it’s important not to become complacent and staid in your style. As mentioned, I am softening with my planting schemes. This is major change to my previous, more formal style of planting. I am also exploring organic shapes and lines with my layout and architecture in the garden – the relationship between objects in the garden is becoming less rigid and more fluid. 

What, would you say, has gardening taught you about life?
I would like to say it’s taught me patience, as it should, but sadly it hasn’t. I can wait patiently for a tree to grow but I am always in a hurry to create new planting schemes or new areas in my own garden. My partner Barry is always telling me to slow down and take our time in the development of the house and garden, but I never listen. 

 

Feature Title

Paul Bangay's Country Gardens
Feast your eyes on these to-die-for gardens, each of which features Paul’s distinctive simplicity and elegance, as he writes passionately of his deeply personal relationship with each property and its owners.
Read more

More features

See all
Q&A
Chloe Elisabeth Wilson shares the works that influenced her debut novel, Rytual

Plus, learn about the real-world inspiration behind the darkly funny novel.

Q&A
Erika Cramer shares how you can become more magnetic in 2025

We caught up with Erika Cramer, author of Becoming Magnetic, to learn more about her upcoming book, what it means to be magnetic and her top tip for readers.

Q&A
Meet The Real Life Bookshop Detectives

We had a chat with bestselling local authors Gareth and Louise Ward about their new book, The Bookshop Detectives!

Q&A
Bill Edgar shares how his life has changed since his first book

Plus, two of the most outrageous requests he’s had from clients.

Q&A
How physical activity can improve your work performance

Authors Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander explain how they use physical activity to improve their leadership, productivity and mindset.

Q&A
Sarah Ogilvie on the research, cataloguing and technology behind The Dictionary People

The Dictionary People is a joyful read, but behind the book was a lot of hard work. We caught up with the author to learn about how she approached such a massive project.

Q&A
Brooke Robinson shares the inspiration behind The Negotiator

Brooke Robinson shares her secrets to crafting an intriguing plotline, her love of research and how she winds down after a day of writing about high-stakes scenarios.

Q&A
John Boyne on the role of the elements in his books

Irish author John Boyne discusses the role of the elements in his new books, and the inspiration for his new book Earth.

Q&A
Ferdia Lennon shares the Plutarch passage that inspired Glorious Exploits

Plus, find out why he taught himself to memorise an entire deck of cards while researching for the novel.

Q&A
Gareth Brown shares how a yearning to travel inspired The Book of Doors

Plus find out why he’d choose to live in Middle Earth and main difference between him and Hugh Jackman.

Q&A
Lottie Hazell shares how she came up with the idea for Piglet

Plus, the cosy fictional world she’d most like to live in.

Looking for more Q&As?

See all Q&As