Small garden design for sanctuary and wellbeing

Meg Chatterton created A Patch of Green to offer small garden design, therapeutic horticulture and garden maintenance to renters and neurodivergent gardeners in Melbourne.

I create calming, sensory-aware gardens that are a joy to be in, even if you rent or only have a small budget to work with.

Services

Garden design, therapeutic horticulture and maintenance services for those with small gardens, renters and neurodivergent gardeners.


Garden Design

Tailored advice for renters, small spaces, or anyone feeling stuck.

I’ll visit your space, talk through your goals, and create a plan that’s practical, sensory-friendly, and totally doable—perfect for renters, first-time growers, and neurodivergent gardeners.


Therapeutic Horticulture

Slow, supportive sessions designed for neurodivergent minds.

We garden side-by-side to reduce stress, build routine, or reconnect—on your terms, at your pace. Non-clinical, sensory-friendly gardening sessions that meet you where you’re at.


Sensitive Garden Maintenance

Gentle care for gardens that need a softer touch than “mow and blow”.

If you’re sensitive to noise, fumes or chemicals, this is for you. Quiet maintenance by a qualified horticulturist and passionate gardener keeping your small garden healthy, tidy, and loved.

Who I work with

Small-space gardeners

Whether you’re new to gardening or have been gardening all your life, I empower you to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that enhance your wellbeing and connect you to nature.

I focus on planting design for small gardens and balcony gardens to provide you with the tools you need to get started on bringing your garden to life.

Renters

As a renter myself, I know how daunting it can be to pour your time and money into a garden – with constraints on what you can plant and where – whilst never quite knowing how long you’ll be able to enjoy it!

I provide creative, flexible solutions for overcoming these challenges to enable you to enjoy your space while you’re there, and take elements with you when it’s time to move.

Neurodivergent clients

I create therapeutic spaces where you feel comfortable and supported to engage with gardening and nature on your terms.

My gardens provide a refuge where you can be your authentic self, fostering your strengths and interests, with consideration for both sensory and emotional needs.

Find out more

There’s something very satisfying about watching a tomato plant grow all the way from a tiny seed to a delicious fruit. If you’re in Melbourne, late winter to early spring (August–September) is the perfect time to sow tomato seeds
This National Pain Week, I'll be highlighting some of the ways #PainTakes, and how I can help you to get out into the garden and benefit from the healing power of plants. Living with chronic pain shouldn’t have to mean giving up on your garden
Quick stop at @unimelb_burnley to pick up @human_nature_scapes new book, complete with gorgeous (and delicious) botanical treats. Can't wait to tuck into this one once the chaos of moving is over. Lovely memories of walking up the lemon-scented gum-l
🌱 Plant of the month: Mulla mulla In its native habitat in arid Australia, this low-growing perennial erupts into masses of feathery mauve flowers after spring rains, and continues flowering for most of the year. It’s best suited to dryer cl
Last month I had the opportunity to create some planty installations for the @wattlefellowship Spotlight events, as well as hear from the next generation of sustainability leaders. I loved this quote by Alex Wackrow about not having to be the loudest
The longest night and passed and it's only up from here! While we still have months of cold weather ahead here in Naarm (Waring season), the longer daylight hours are stirring life under the soil. #WaringSeason #WinterGarden #SpringBulbs #Sweetpeas
Happy Winter Solstice! A quiet turning point in the garden, and in us. Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and the slow return of the sun. From here, the days grow longer—little by little. It’s a time for rest, reflection