Six questions with Anthony Wyer, the landscape architect behind some of Sydney's finest gardens

Anthony Wyer is the ‘master’s apprentice’ who has gone on to stamp his own authority on garden design after nearly two decades working on Sydney’s finest homes.

We spoke with Wyer about his most memorable projects and the hallmarks of a well designed-garden.

Q: What are your earliest garden memories?

A: My mum was an avid gardener, and still is today. Our garden was a mixture of cuttings borrowed from unsuspecting neighbours and plants given to her by family and friends.

Q: How did you break into this industry?

A: I love the outdoors. My first job out of school was a landscape gardener. My early jobs were in a more structural capacity, which was a great foundation for the business I run today. The turning point came in my early 20s, when I had the good fortune of working for Will Dangar. 

Q: William Dangar is one of Australia’s best known landscape designers. What did you learn from him?

A: Will has been a great mentor and a great friend. His work showed me a more sophisticated approach to landscape design and really entrenched my desire to work in the space. He is very passionate about his work and is committed to good design. Both are essential qualities for success in this industry. I’ve worked hard to remain true to both.

Q: Tell us about your company, Wyer & Co.

A: I started as a one-man band 17 years ago. Today, Wyer & Co works on some of Sydney’s finest homes as well as wonderful country properties. It’s a privilege to produce the style of work I’d always dreamed of.  

Q: How would you describe your design philosophy?

A: A well-designed garden should have a sense of balance and sit comfortably in its environment. More and more, I find this is possible to achieve with an organic approach, with layers of planting for textural interest, mixing plant types to add botanical drama and knowing when to be bold and break some rules.   

Q: What’s the memorable project you’ve completed? 

A: It has to be Horseshoe Bend in Wanaka, a [5.6-hectare] property on New Zealand’s South Island. The client and I clicked from the outset. He trusted my vision. The outcome is a natural wonderland, with a picturesque dam, edible forest, a go-cart track, bocce court and never-ending green grass. 

Q: What does your own garden look like?

A: Very green, but always a work in progress! It’s a great place for me to try out new plant combinations and design ideas. There is concern around the neighbourhood that the garden may one day eat my house. Most importantly though, the garden is a place for my wife and I, and our four energetic kids, to spend time together. There is plenty of grass, a quiet corner for afternoon drinks, and a pool to cool off in at the end of the day.