How it all began
Bower Gardens began with two friends and a shared appreciation for Australia’s natural beauty.
Matt and Kosta have been close mates since high school, drawn together by a mutual love of the mountains, snow, bushwalks and adventure. The kind of nature-filled experiences that still shape their work today.
Kosta, Bower Gardens’ Construction Director, originally trained and worked in hospitality, honing his skills in fine-dining kitchens like Rockpool Bar & Grill and managing restaurants abroad in British Columbia. But eventually, the lure of the outdoors proved too strong. He left the kitchen behind and retrained in landscape construction, discovering a passion for working with raw materials and shaping spaces that feel grounded and organic.
Matt, the Creative Director, brings a strong foundation in both design and horticulture. He began his studies at Sydney Design School, then went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UNSW while managing the studio of sculptural artist Jamie North. With his trade certificate in Structural Landscaping under his belt, and hands-on experience in landscape construction, Matt combines technical know-how with a refined design sensibility, especially when it comes to sculptural form, texture and natural colour palettes.
Once Matt had settled in the Southern Highlands, the timing was right. Old friends became creative partners, and Bower Gardens was born! A natural evolution of their shared vision for beautiful, considered outdoor spaces.
The garden that sparked it all
Long before Bower Gardens came to life, both Matt and Kosta had moments that rooted them firmly in the world of landscape design.
For Matt, it was his first day working on a professionally designed garden, a project that left a lasting impression.
“The design, the materials, the plants, I’d never seen anything like it,” he says. “I knew straight away this was the industry I wanted to be in.”
Kosta’s spark came a little later, on a rugged farm in Gloucester, helping to build dry-stacked stone walls.
“We were just pulling up old stones with tractors and whatever we could find,” he says. “It was beautiful, rugged, real work. I was hooked. I used to be a chef, but being outside and working with my hands felt like the perfect fit.”
These formative experiences planted the seeds for what would eventually become Bower Gardens. A creative landscaping studio with a deep respect for place, material and design.
Swapping studios for soil
Matt also brings a creative edge to the business, with a background in fine arts. “I worked for an artist for years, but I needed something more physical, more hands-on. Landscaping gave me that, plus a way to turn creative ideas into real-world things.”
So, not exactly a traditional path, but maybe that’s the secret sauce.
The not-so-glam side of garden glory
Landscaping might sound idyllic, but the guys are quick to point out the challenges. “Nothing is ever flat,” laughs Matt. “You’re sculpting land that doesn’t want to be sculpted. And then there’s water… always water.”
“We’ve done drainage we were sure would hold up, and then a one-in-100-year storm rolls through and floods the whole site,” says Kosta. “It’s humbling.”
The lesson? Start with drainage. Always. “It’s the least sexy but most important part of any outdoor job.”
It’s not just plants [but also, it’s kind of about the plants]
One of the biggest misconceptions? That landscaping is just gardening. “People hear the price and think, how can it cost that much? It’s just some plants,” says Matt. “But we’re basically builders pouring concrete, constructing walls, shaping land. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface.”
That said, they do love their plants! Especially when they’re local.
Native is the new black
Right now, Bower is fully embracing the shift toward naturalistic and native gardens.
“There’s a real trend toward using found objects, indigenous species, and creating gardens that actually fit the land they’re on,” says Matt.
Kosta agrees. “If you use plants that are truly native to this area, not just to Australia, but right here, everything thrives. You get the right birds, the right bees, the right balance.”
So what’s native to the Highlands, anyway?
The guys light up when talking about the natural treasures of the Southern Highlands. Where beautiful waratahs, flowering wild grasses, and acacias in full bloom.
“Go for a walk in the bush,” Kosta suggests. “If it’s growing without help, no irrigation, no fertiliser, you know it’ll work in your garden.”
They’re big fans of using local stone, too. “We love using Bundanoon sandstone. It’s beautiful, and it’s from here. You can’t beat that.”
Where to start if you’re new to natives
If you’re thinking about creating your own native garden, Matt and Kosta suggest checking out local nurseries. “Also, your council will usually have lists of native plants specific to the area. That’s a great resource.”
Or just start by stepping outside. “Walk your land. See what’s already growing. That’s your best inspiration.”
Creative fuel in the Highlands
When these guys need to recharge, they head out to nature. Their favourite local visit is the Meryla Flora Reserve.
“It’s this beautiful swimming spot, and in spring the flowers go off. Pinks, yellows, blues… it’s wild. There’s even a rope swing,” they say with a grin. “But don’t tell too many people… it’s our secret spot.”
Catching up with Matt and Kosta was a real treat! They’re not only super talented, but they genuinely love what they do, and it shows. If you want a garden that’s thoughtfully designed and truly reflects your style, why not give Bower Gardens a call or book a chat to see how they can bring your vision to life.
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