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Celebrating 30 Years of Secret Gardens
Secret Gardens, a leader in garden design, construction and horticulture, celebrates its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone in an industry where longevity speaks volumes about expertise and trust.
Since 1994, Secret Gardens has transformed outdoor spaces into enchanting sanctuaries, melding the natural environment with innovative design. Founders – and husband and wife – Rochelle Abood and Matt Cantwell have seen the Sydney-based company evolve from a small operation into a powerhouse employing more than 50 skilled professionals. Their journey began with a shared passion for creating gardens that resonate with their clients’ lifestyles and the surrounding architecture. Over the years, this passion has blossomed into what is one of the country’s leading garden design companies, known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
The team at Secret Gardens boasts a diverse range of talents, from landscape architects and designers to construction specialists and horticulturists. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that every project is handled with a comprehensive understanding of both aesthetic and functional needs. Many team members have been with the company long-term, contributing to a stable and collaborative work environment that fosters creativity and precision. “We focus heavily on our company culture and staff, creating a rewarding workplace and offering staff career progression,” CEO Abood says. “Retaining our people allows continuity to deliver on the Secret Gardens product and service.”
Secret Gardens has always prided itself on its collaborative spirit. Working closely with clients, architects and builders, the firm ensures that each garden is a reflection of the collective vision and expertise of all involved. This collaboration begins with a deep understanding of the client’s desires and the site’s potential, leading to designs that are both beautiful and practical. Whether it’s a courtyard in the city, a rooftop garden or an extensive landscape in a rural or coastal setting, Secret Gardens brings something unique to every project.
Crane Lodge in Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches stands out as one of the company’s most challenging yet rewarding projects. The large, steep site required a brave client and a shared vision to transform it into a relaxed, naturalistic garden that harmonises with its surroundings. Despite the significant changes made to the site, Secret Gardens minimised the structural footprint, resulting in a space that has settled beautifully over the years. “Our most successful projects are where the relationship with the client and the garden continues for years after the initial build as it takes this level of commitment, interest and focus to ensure that the design is realised,” says Cantwell, the company’s creative director.
Another stand-out project is Cove House, a revival of a Sydney coastal home designed in 1969 by architect Reuben Lane. The client, passionate about mid-century architecture and art, was heavily involved in the garden’s design, pushing Secret Gardens to think outside the box. Structural elements like the pool, garden walls and tiling complement the bold architecture while the ongoing relationship with the client highlights the firm’s commitment to long-term collaboration and innovation.
As Secret Gardens celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that its journey is far from over. As a husband-and-wife team, Abood and Cantwell have managed to balance their professional and personal lives with remarkable grace, continuing to draw inspiration from gardens around the world. Their travels infuse fresh ideas into the company’s projects, keeping the designs innovative and relevant. “We are always forward-thinking and challenging ourselves to push the boundaries with our designs to ensure that they are unique,” says Cantwell.
Looking ahead, Secret Gardens remains committed to continuously evolving. Upcoming projects promise to further cement its reputation, blending creativity with practicality to create gardens that not only please the eye but also enhance the lives of those who experience them. “To be a successful business, you must be flexible and adapt quickly,” says Abood. “Over the past 30 years, we have experienced several cycles – the GFC and Covid, to name a few. Continual reflection, and looking for ways to raise the bar and work smarter and more efficiently, is crucial.”
