We are excited to welcome back Jason Hodges to the 2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, in the Show Garden Competition with his garden, ‘Doable’, designed by Jason Hodges and constructed by Semken Landscaping.
The “Doable” garden is the result of thoughtful planning, proving that you don’t need a large budget and the most expensive of materials to create a beautiful, functional and desirable space.
The garden features cozy seating areas and a pergola made from inexpensive timber and covered with reclaimed pillows and cushions for colour at no expense. The paved areas are a store-bought entry-level pavers that looks more expensive than it is because they are large format and blended colours to give it an informal look that also creates interest rather than a at mono coloured paver.
The star of the show is the garden, yes this is a show garden and heavily planted at some cost if you were to implement it as an established garden, but the plants are all “doable” from much smaller pots sizes and some from cutting.
The garden is for living in and enjoying, areas to enjoy on your own, as a couple, a family or entertaining. The backyard lawn is iconic Aussie, not only does it provide a safe play space for fun activities it is a clean soft inviting contrast to the hardscapes and busy garden beds that boarder it.
Overall, this gardens goal is to show the visitors to Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show that with a little flare, patience and desire this is “doable” and anyone can have a SHOW Garden at home.
Doable is made possible by the generous contributions of the below supporters. Their ongoing support of us and the show is something we are extremely grateful for and we can’t wait for their top quality products and work to be showcased.
@adbrimasonry
@biogroaustralia
@breanagraham_landscapes
@daisys_garden_supplies
@establishedtrees
@gardens_at_night
@lilydalelawn
@plantgrowersaustralia
@prestigesurfaces
@warnersnurseries
Technical drawings by @breanagraham_landscapes and 3D renders by @hanna_digital_design
Show Gardener Profile
What’s the one element of your show garden you’re most excited for people to see?
This show garden is is called doable, meaning exactly that, it’s inexpensive and achievable for people to create themselves without a big budget. The garden uses practical materials you can buy yourself, and you can create it in stages showing that you can have beautifully designed garden on a budget.
What are your favourite current trends or themes in garden design?
Simplicity, moving away for outdoor kitchens and expensive entertaining area. Lawn is luxury so having enough space, the simplicity of the lawn is a luxury these days. A livable gardens that’s simple rather than an extension of your house.
What’s your favorite plant, flower, or feature in this year’s garden, and why?
Buxus Balls, as I’ve been growing them for the last 15 years for this garden show. Not biased at all.
What’s a gardening tip or trick you swear by?
Patience. Patience is my biggest tip, Rome wasn’t built in a day and that’s the same for a beautiful garden.
What’s the one tool or piece of equipment you can’t live without?
Phone.
If you could invite anyone (past or present) to stroll through your show garden, who would it be and why?
My mum, because I miss her.
