How To Let Nature In

Emmaline Bowman is on a mission to encourage more interest in local native species.

- Elizabeth Wilson

EMMALINE BOWMAN

Director, Stem Landscape Architecture & Design

The philosophy

Gardens should be welcoming places for wildlife as well as humans, according to Melbourne landscape architect Emmaline Bowman, who designs gardens to “celebrate the natural world, particularly Australian flora and fauna”. Integral to Emmaline’s vision is the use of local indigenous species, used either on their own or mixed with traditional garden plants. “Natives attract the insect species that will help the life of your entire garden,” she says. “For example, natives bring in insects that keep the aphids away from your roses. And mixed with your vegetable and herb gardens, they’ll bring in predatory birds and insects to control pests.”

The approach