Welcome to The Gardenist

A hub for curious gardeners on a lifelong learning curve.

Michael McCoy's Garden

Join Michael by the fire as he reads excerpts from his first book

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Opinion-loaded and anecdote-driven plant profiles

The 'Life-Changing Design Tour' 2021

Join Michael on this incredible tour of the best home gardens in New Zealand's South Island

Check out our Forum

Join in the conversation, or start a new one!

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
A Somewhat Dry Response
By Michael
Feb 23, 2021
Writing that piece last week about how useful it would be to have info about the extent to which a plant’s performance is compromised by drought (and not just whether it’ll sur
Popular Post
PLANT OF THE WEEK #45: Melianthus 'Purple Haze'
By Michael
Feb 23, 2021
I’m guessing that you know Melianthus major.  As a shrub, there’s nothing else even faintly like it.  The most prominent and valuable characteristic are its pinnate pewter-gr
Instagram

michaelmccoyongardens

New on The Gardenist- PLANT OF THE WEEK. Opinion-loaded & anecdote-driven plant profiles by Michael McCoy and special guests. Clicks the link below.

Michael McCoy
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.