Root awakening

TO landscape architect Brendan Moar, the idea of show gardens is just a little bit peculiar.

"They are such a different beast to the normal gardens I am so used to," says the boisterous 44-year-old Australian who lives in Sydney. "The plants aren't really growing - they're just sitting there. But you gotta make it look like a real garden, so it's quite an art form," he explains with a laugh.

Ironically, he has a natural flair for it, because he won big at the Australian Garden Show last year despite it being his first-ever attempt designing a show garden. He took home a Gold Medal, and awards for Best in Show as well as the People's Choice.