Gardening, and especially trees, has been a lifelong passion both in  my professional and personal life.

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The journey as horticulturalist and arborist started with a position as Gardener for the Shire of Eltham in the late 70's and continued with my appointment as Head Gardener and subsequently Foreman at the University of Melbourne, Parkville throughout the 80's and early 90's.

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In 1991 I commenced my own business as John Fordham Horticultural Services.

During this time I was engaged with the National Trust to undertake survey work for the Register of Significant Trees.

I remain on the committee to this day after 20+ years of service to the register and the National Trust more broadly embracing some of the projects regarding trees.

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My work has included specialist services in garden development and re-development, arboriculture and numerous consultancies in these areas.

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I have worked on a number of heritage properties, with the government organisation 'The Mint Inc" now known as "Working Heritage", throughout this time including:

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• The Old Mint

• Farm Vigano (original home of Mietta O'Donnells grandparents)

• Carome (1st flour mill in Victoria in Mernda).

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Other work has included a consultancy with City of Horsham collaborating on the Master Plan for their regional Botanical Gardens and on their street trees. 

 

Numerous tree reports for organisations such as Moonee Valley Racecourse, Rippon Lea for the National Trust, City of Bayside Significant Tree Study and Tree Assessment, Shire of Mortlake Tree Study, Elm Avenues Study for the Town of Camperdown Management, Significant & Historic Tree Study for the City of Essendon as well as many private, government and council tree reports.

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Landscape treatment and aboricultural consultancy for the subdivision of the historic property 'Miegunyah' in Orrong Rd, Toorak, tree and garden advice for notable properties such as the historic Edna Walling Garden 'Lavender Lane' in Frankson, the Ballarat Botanic Gardens and St Catherines School, Toorak.

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Most recent work was working for a heritage architect from Adelaide for the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne looking after the heritage Parthenocissus vine covering the building.  

 

I have a number of highly valued and long term private clients with valuable and impressive gardens for specialist care.

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Along the way I have continued to study, to expand my knowledge and expertise as a gardener, in landscape design and as an arborist, most recently completing a Masters of Urban Horticulture.

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It has been a fantastic journey and I look forward to offering my passion and expertise to many more clients and gardening enthusiasts.

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