We are so excited to have Brent Reid return to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, working alongside Martin Semken of Semken Landscaping in the Show Garden Competition. Brent, founder of Candeo Design, is one of Melbourne’s most prolific landscape designers, with a career spanning over two decades. His passion for landscape design was sparked at the Show, where he honed his skills constructing award-winning gardens.
Semken Landscaping, a leader in the industry since 1987, has played a pivotal role in the Show’s history, building 84 gardens over 28 years.
Brent’s latest show garden, ODE, is a heartfelt tribute to the mentors, friends, and pioneers who have shaped his journey in the landscape industry. Designed as a space for reflection and inspiration, ODE symbolizes the enduring legacy of mentorship and innovation, celebrating the profound impact of a career dedicated to creativity, community, and growth.
Check out the full profile below:
Designed by Candeo Design
Constructed by Semken Landscaping
Project Overview:
ODE is a Tribute Garden conceived as a living homage to the Landscape Industry and the members who have had great influence on myself, celebrating the profound legacy and the indelible impact key people and the Landscape Industry have had on my life. This garden symbolizes the enduring influence this career has offered, embodying the essence of mentorship, innovation, and community fostered over 28 years of dedication.
ODE will be a testament to the profound impact of true mentors and friends within our Industry. Through thoughtful design and symbolic elements, the garden will honor their legacy, providing a space for reflection, inspiration, and community.
Show Gardener Profile
What’s the one element of your show garden you’re most excited for people to see?
Doing this garden for people I care about as a Thank you to them for their mentorship, friendship, help and support over my journey in the Landscape and Horticulture Industry.
What are your favourite current trends or themes in garden design?
Plants… always plants. All the other trends come and go. Plants can outlive all the trends.
What’s your favorite plant, flower, or feature in this year’s garden, and why?
I love Bluestone, so having Australian Bluestone from Bamstone is always exciting.
We are bringing terracotta roof tiles back which I love. We may bend peoples brains by using dead trees as sculptures. People are going to need to look at them with a little depth to understand what and why we have done that. Lots of plants. It is a garden after all.
What’s a gardening tip or trick you swear by?
When in Doubt, Leave it out.
What’s the one tool or piece of equipment you can’t live without?
my hand made Japanese Secateurs and my laptop (I hate that I say that) With those two things I can earn a living.
If you could invite anyone (past or present) to stroll through your show garden, who would it be and why?
There are two people and it is the people who inspired this garden. One of them, Martin Semken I will have the opportunity to spend time in the garden with.
The other is Mark Bence. I didnt get the chance to say the thank you I would have liked, and to be honest, I wasnt ready to do it justice. I am now. That is why this garden is being created. Its an ODE to Martin and Mark and what they have shown me.
