Welcome to The Gardenist

A hub for curious gardeners on a lifelong learning curve.

Travelling Masterclasses

Join us on one of our international garden tours

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly musings and announcements

Popular Video

Watch the annual perennial cutback at Stonehill

A message from
Michael McCoy

Garden designer, writer host of ABC TV series Dream Gardens and Travelling Masterclass tour leader.

For every hour I’ve spent gardening, I must have spent at least ten hours thinking about gardens- the plants, the processes and planting combinations. Most of my waking hours have been spent teasing out their anatomy, history, philosophy, and the power of a garden to delight, challenge, and nurture. It’s been a crazily steep learning curve that shows no sign of tapering off!

The Gardenist is about asking questions and connecting with like-minded companions on the journey. It’s about discovering the ‘why’ behind gardens as much as giving hands-on experience. Together we may happen on a few answers – which will, no doubt, lead to bigger questions. Bring them on!


Recent Post
Weekly Newsletter: 20th August 2024
By Michael
Aug 20, 2024
Isn’t it incredible how fast things can turn around in a garden? It’s only three weeks since I was complaining, on this page, of how sick I was of my winter garden. Yesterday
Popular Post
Weekly Newsletter: 13th August 2024
By Michael
Aug 13, 2024
A week or two ago we did the big cut back of the perennial garden at Stonehill (above, in its late summer glory). I’ve now ditched all niceties and horticultural finesse with thi
Testimonials
Donna Somerville
The New Naturalism Tour 2019
I truly loved being part of a fabulous tribe of fellow horticulturalists travelling to the best in show gardens and meeting their makers. The experience has inspired me to see plants and plant people with new eyes and ideas and definitely broadened my horticultural knowledge and pursuits.
Su Laird
The New Naturalism Tour 2019
There are moments in our lives that we recognise as being so special that we don’t want them to end. The past two weeks have been just that. We have been enriched by all that this masterclass has brought - the superlative organisation, a range of beautiful gardens, challenging discussions with passionate gardeners and the generous sharing of information and experience by all the group.
Ryan Garratt
Advanced Perennials Masterclass
For anyone interested in the state of perennial gardening globally, where it is, how it got there and where it could go, Michael's Masterclass should be considered mandatory!
Sandra Ross
Design Masterclass
I recommend this masterclass to anyone even vaguely interested in gardening. It will set you off on the path to full exuberant gardening euphoria!
Richard Padgett
Garden Design Coaching Course
It's been a great way to design our garden and retain ownership of that process. If you want to design your own garden and come away with a plan you love, Michael's coaching program is perfect. The advice and encouragement is priceless. Put some time and effort into the homework tasks because you get back everything you put in - and more. It's so rewarding.