about us

We aim to help schools and other organisations enhance and value their school grounds as a learning resource and an important place for children’s development.

We believe that school gardens have an essential role in encouraging children’s creativity, curiosity, and physical and mental wellbeing. We want to see children engaged and excited about their learning environment.

In our designs we aim to bring together the idea of a school garden and outdoor classroom to meet the needs of both children and educators where learning grows.

Our Story

Michael and Lauren are passionate about creating gardens and outdoor spaces that engage kids curiosity, emotions, senses and encourage learning and active play.

Lauren Carlisle

Lauren started her professional career as a Park Ranger after completing a Degree in Conservation and Park Management.

 

Taking time off to raise her 3 children, she spent 8 years establishing a large edible garden and completing a Certificate in Permaculture. Lauren has developed her passion for Horticulture into a successful business in landscaping and design, garden maintenance, and established the Numurkah Community garden and Horticultural classes.

 

Lauren also has a strong partnership with the Numurkah Primary School as their head gardener and has developed the edible children’s garden project.

Michael Hatton

Michael Hatton has crafted designer gardens since 1985 with trade qualifications, accreditations, garden exhibit awards including Landscape Industry awards at the highest level.

 

Michael combines his knowledge and experience into well crafted, designer build gardens that feature unique planting styles and themes.

 

Michael has a Diploma of Landscape and Graduate Diploma of Education. Michael has previous experience as a Senior TAFE Horticultural teacher and regularly presents garden talks on landscape design, construction and “plants in the themed landscape”.

“Michael designed and built a beautiful, safe and inviting space for children to play and parents and carers to relax at the Family Haven in Mooroopna. It includes shade and shelter, sand play, medicinal and culinary herbs, and flowers for picking and bees.
It also meets the brief of being hardy and resilient to little feet and is easy care for novice gardeners. For families who may be in insecure housing, renting or even living in a caravan, the garden provides a welcoming refuge and space to make friends and enjoy the outdoors and play all year round.  It has been a lovely addition to the Family Haven where many fond memories are created.”

Lisa McKenzie

former executive officer Greater Shepparton Lighthouse (incorporating the Family)

“Working to establish the Bush Tucker garden with Michael and Lauren was a pleasure and they made the whole consult, design and building process look easy with their passion and enthusiasm. The garden has established and grown into a beautiful functional space that provides a multifunctional outdoor use for both students and teachers alike, the garden is used everyday and provides many uses for teachers and there day to day activities.”

Debbie Oliver

PRINCIPLE OF NUMURKAH PRIMARY SCHOOL