garden designer will dangar

Will Dangar has designed the Sydney garden of one of Australia's current day film icons. But he hasn't publicised the fact. He is too busy creating sophisticated gardens for other leading figures across a diverse range of industries, and has been since 1991. Will is also the design force behind Robert Plumb, a range of outdoor furniture and garden accessories that are synonymous with style. For five years he was also the garden and exterior design editor at Belle magazine. Yet when I met him at his beautiful home in Bondi last year - see some pics here - Will was quite humble about his achievements, saying he was just a country boy. He might be modest, but he's also a man with incredible drive and talent. Will is a qualified horticulturist and has had his work featured in a multitude of books and magazines.

Which five words best describe you? Obsessive, generous, energetic, honest, tired and a bit selfish as well!

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My wife Julia found me a job as a landscape labourer in 1991. Since that time I have steadily built my business from a contracting service into a multifaceted design practice dealing with predominantly outdoor projects.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Return people's phone calls and don’t overvalue your skills.

What’s your proudest career achievement? Becoming the garden editor for Belle Magazine for [editor] Eric Matthews in 2000.

What’s been your best decision? To be patient with the growth and development of my business.

Who inspires you? Roberto Burle Marx

What are you passionate about? Anything that has two wheels and my family.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Casey Stoner (Australian MOTOGP rider). Valentino Rossi would also do if Casey was busy!

What dream do you still want to fulfill? A career in MOTOGP.

What are you reading? Just finished Robin Williams: A Biography and Australian Motorcycle News.

images courtesy of will dangar; portrait: real living (photography: mikkel vang)