The winning garden (left, centre), Liam (L), Emmaline (C) and Graham Ross AM VMM (R) (right)
Images courtesy of Graham Ross
In the world of landscape architecture, few names have emerged so prominently in recent times as Emmaline Bowman (affectionately referred to as Em for this article). As the creative force behind STEM Landscape Architecture & Design, Em has carved a niche for herself, merging the realms of aesthetic beauty with sustainability. Her recent triumph at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) Landscape Design Show Garden Competition, alongside Liam Riley of ID Landscaping, has catapulted her into an exclusive spotlight. Their project, “Through The Looking Glass,” not only won the prestigious City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show but also garnered four additional awards, including the Gold Show Garden Award and the Horticultural Media Association Award for the best use of plant life.
This accolade is particularly noteworthy as Em is the first woman to clinch all these awards, marking a significant milestone in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her victory serves as an inspiration and a beacon of change, symbolising the breaking of glass ceilings within the landscape design and horticulture industries. “Through The Looking Glass,” inspired by rural Australia, is a testament to Em's commitment to sustainability and her ability to weave environmental consciousness with aesthetic vision. By prioritising minimal impact on the environment, her design celebrates the often-overlooked beauty of nature’s hidden realms, crowned by an iconic Australian windmill that serves as a poignant reminder of the country's rural landscape.
The success of Em and Liam’s partnership at MIFGS is not just a personal victory but a significant leap forward for the field of ornamental horticulture. By winning these awards, they have placed ornamental horticulture at the forefront of garden design, highlighting its potential to blend form with function, beauty with sustainability. Their achievement underscores the evolving nature of landscape design, where the aesthetic appeal of a garden is inseparably linked with its ecological and sustainable characteristics.
Em’s journey to this pinnacle moment was fueled by her profound connection to the natural world and her academic background in environmental science. This unique blend of passions and expertise has allowed her to approach landscape architecture with a fresh perspective, one that prioritises the coexistence of human and natural elements in harmony. Her work exemplifies the principles of sustainable design, advocating for spaces that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to the earth.
In an industry where sustainability has become a buzzword, Em’s approach is both genuine and impactful. Her designs do not merely pay lip service to environmental concerns but actively incorporate sustainable practices. From the selection of native plant species that require less water and maintenance to the integration of renewable energy sources, her projects are a living proof of what the future of landscape design can and should look like. Her story is not just about winning awards; it’s about paving the way for a greener, more equitable world through the power of design.
In her interview with Graham Ross AM VMM on the Garden Clinic show, she shares her views for young people considering a career in gardening and horticulture:
“Horticulture is fantastic, you can go down so many roads, like what you pointed out before Graham, Australia is just so full of opportunities, moreso than anywhere else in the world. We’re a lot more flexible in the direction that you can go. One time I was looking after fish tanks and it was still something that I could apply to what I do now. I would say that if there’s a passion in you, you need to follow it. Because at the end of the day, when you look back at your life (when you’re old!), don’t have any regrets, because you can’t take all those monetary values to the ground. You gotta take the passion and what you spread around the world.”
Em’s achievements have not only set a new standard in landscape design but have also opened up a dialogue about the role of women in shaping the future of the industry. Her victories at MIFGS serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved when talent, passion, and a commitment to sustainability converge. As the landscape architecture field continues to evolve, Em’s work will undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration and a benchmark of excellence for years to come.
In a world increasingly aware of the environmental challenges it faces, Em’s vision for a sustainable and beautiful future offers hope. Through her innovative designs and groundbreaking achievements, she has shown that landscape architecture can be a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. As we look to the future, Em’s contributions to the field will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire, proving that with creativity and commitment, we can craft spaces that celebrate the beauty of our planet while protecting its precious resources.
Learn more about Em at Stem Landscape Architecture and Design