Q&A with Paul Bangay

Paul Bangay OAM is a highly acclaimed designer and author who has been creating beautiful gardens in Australia, and abroad, for more than 30 years. Paul was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia this year, for services to landscape architecture.

Paul sits on the Board of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and is an incredible friend and supporter of the Foundation. Since 2009 he has been generously opening the gardens at Stonefields, his private property near Daylesford, to raise much-needed funds to support the Foundation’s work.

Q: What’s new at Stonefields?

Paul: The Lilac Walk – which features over 100 lilacs – will be in bloom during the open garden. Our vegetable garden is now tended by a dedicated vegetable gardener, so it’s much more complex and very exciting to explore. We also have new twin lower herbaceous borders below the pool, in stunning colours.

Q: Where do you find the inspiration for your designs?

Paul: I find a lot of my inspiration from travelling. I’m always visiting gardens in Europe or the Middle East, and I seek out new designers and their creations.

Q: Who are your favourite Australian designers?

Paul: Edna Walling. Though, sadly, no longer with us, her gardens continue to inspire me.

Q: Why is it important for kids to learn how to grow and cook their own food?

Paul: It’s vital for children’s health that they eat fresh produce. The best way to ensure that this becomes a habit is to teach them how to grow these foods. Planting seeds and watching them bear fruit, encourages enthusiasm and understanding.

Q: Best garden tip you ever received?

Paul: A garden is not a hospital. If a plant doesn’t thrive, pull it out and try a new type.

Q: What’s your secret to throwing a successful garden party?

Paul: Having different activities in different and interesting areas of the garden. I also believe that the most romantic way to eat is dining under a vine-covered pergola.

Q: Favourite place to visit in your area?

Paul: Trentham, and du Fermier is my favourite restaurant in the world. [Editorial note: Annie Smithers, du Fermier’s owner and head chef, will be whipping up her famous scones to sell at Stonefields Open Garden all weekend].

Q: Favourite place to shop for plants?

Paul: Lambley Nursery in Ascot, which is only a 45-minute drive from Stonefields.

Paul Bangay is opening his private garden near Daylesford again this spring on Saturday and Sunday, 17 and 18 November 2018, from 10 am–6 pm. Book now to join us and discover the beauty of Stonefields in bloom.