About Ben Harris

Ben Harris is a specialist in the design and construction of natural water features, based in Deniliquin NSW, Australia.

CAC of the Year, RegionalBen Harris Gardens has been awarded “Australian CAC of the year” in 2023.

 

 

Experience

Ben Harris

Ben Harris – water feature artist, garden designer, horticulturist,

Ben has been working in the landscape industry since the mid-2000s. Much of his initial experience was gained working for leading landscaper Martin Hopkins, constructing and planting out formal and semi-formal gardens throughout the inner suburbs of Melbourne and at Macedon, many of which were the work of renowned Australian garden designer, Paul Bangay. In this environment he became accustomed to working to the exacting standards required for the formal garden style.

While he is equally at home constructing formal and informal gardens, since starting his own business he has focused on designing and constructing more natural, free-flowing gardens. He works to the same level of detail to position a rock in just the right place, or to move plants that have dared to appear too symmetrical.

Ben Harris - garden designer and horticulturist

Ben Harris – attention to detail is paramount

Natural talent

Ben has a special talent in working with natural elements like rocks and water. Whilst anyone can build a pond or stream, not many can make them look natural. Ben, however, has an artistic eye for knowing where to place rocks and plants and how to carve a stream or pond in the landscape so that it blends seamlessly with the existing garden. He has been inspired by the Japanese masters of centuries before, contemporary Australian landscape designers, and of course, nature itself.

It is true that rocks ‘speak’ to you. Sometimes a rock feels right, and sometimes it just feels wrong. I take the time to listen to each rock, and the results show that.

 

Awards

Winner – MIFGS (Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show) 2016 Boutique Garden, with “Calming Waters“.

Rising Star Award – Landscaping Victoria 2017 Industry Awards

Highly Commended Award for Natural Built Environment – Landscaping Victoria 2017 Industry Awards (Upwey project)

Highly Commended Award for Grant Saltmarsh Feature in the Landscape – Landscaping Victoria 2017 Industry Awards (Upwey project)

Bronze Medal – MIFGS (Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show) 2018 Show Garden, with “Harmony“.

Australian CAC of the year – 2021

Australian CAC of the year – 2023

Formal Qualifications

Ben holds an Associate Degree in Environmental Horticulture from Burnley College (University of Melbourne) . While studying, he honed his landscaping skills at night school and completed a Certificate III in Landscaping at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic) – graduating with an award for the best adult trade student. In 2018, Ben traveled to Kyoto, Japan, to study for two weeks at the Research Center for Japanese Garden Art & Historical Heritage.

Ben is also a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor ( Master CAC). Master CACs are the most qualified and informed pond installers in the water gardening industry. As a Master CAC, Ben uses only high grade materials and equipment sourced from industry leaders Aquascape Supplies. For more information please visit the Aquascape Supplies Australia website.