Float Your Boat

Michael Bates started his career at the grass roots as an apprentice at Swanes Nursery and went on to study horticulture. He was mentored by Japanese master landscape architect Masayoshi Uchiyama before founding Bates Landscape in 1992 - now one of Sydney's leading landscape businesses. He has created over 1,000 gardens in collaboration with the best of Sydney’s architects, designers and builders, bringing his trademark experience, energy and commitment to each and every project. Michael’s own two gardens reflect his love and mastery of landform construction, his passion for seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, and his ability to create rich green havens in the heart of a city. Michael is also the author of The New Australian Garden, an insider's account of the journey to design, construct and plant 18 landmark gardens that represent a new movement in Australian landscape design.