About
Hannah Smith is a passionate horticulturalist and dedicated plant geek! She is a qualified educator and has worked extensively in the horticultural sector.
Hannah has gained an extensive knowledge of Perth gardens during her decade of horticultural experience. As a former groundskeeper at Perth Zoo, she worked with many unique specimens from around the world and helped to implement biomes of animal enclosures. She has worked in retail garden centres and developed an extensive knowledge of plant identification, commonly asked questions and garden problem solving. Working as a school groundskeeper, she was responsible for the safety and maintenance of the whole grounds and surrounding bushland. This meant moving with the season through weeds, watering and whipper snipping!
Hannah is currently lecturing in Horticulture and Conservation and Ecosystem Management at North Metro Tafe. Her teaching content covers waterwise garden practices, pests & diseases, landscape design and implications of plant choices.
“Perth gardens rely on a fundamental knowledge of our soil and climate. You can’t just copy and paste from images you have seen online or over East as our conditions are so unique. Without this knowledge it is all too easy to plant the wrong thing, leading to wasted water, money and time.”
Hannah has an enthusiasm for design and loves to play with use of space and colour. Most of her designs are a mixture of formal and cottage with subdued tones used to enhance outdoor living. Her personal passions include designing for edible gardens and children.
Hannah holds formal qualifications in both primary and adult education. When conducting a garden consultation or workshop in Perth, you will benefit from her educational experience and ability to explain key gardening concepts in a simple and direct manner. She believes that understanding the why helps clients make good future choices and feel confident in their gardening ability.
Hannah lives in the Perth hills with her family, dog and many, many chickens! Her current challenge is converting a run-down equine property into the home of her dreams.