Romany Lambert brings a deep understanding of planting design to English cottage gardens, balancing their natural, informal character with the structure needed to succeed in Australian conditions.

Her approach focuses on layering, combining perennials, shrubs and seasonal flowers to create depth, movement, and year-round interest. While the style appears relaxed, Romany carefully controls plant selection and placement to ensure the garden remains cohesive and manageable.

In cooler regions such as Ballarat, she adapts traditional cottage planting to suit local conditions, selecting varieties that can handle frost, dry periods, and soil variability without compromising the overall look.

Romany’s strength lies in achieving the balance between abundance and control. She incorporates paths, edging, and subtle structural elements to guide the space, preventing it from becoming overgrown while maintaining its soft, inviting feel.

The result is a garden that feels established, generous and enduring, and continues to evolve while remaining practical and enjoyable to live with.