When Phil reached out to us back in 2017 to collaborate on his 'I See Wild' project at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show,
little did we know we’d just partnered with the show’s winner and kicked off a friendship and working relationship that continues to this day. We’ve been honoured to be part of not only Phil’s award-winning landscapes but also to be invited to work with his clients, and now, in his own home!
Imagine stepping into a garden that isn’t just a collection of beautiful plants but a story of nature, community, and creativity. That’s exactly what landscape designer Phillip Withers captured with the Saltbush Garden project. And nestled within this masterpiece? One of Castle & Cubby’s signature pitched-roof wooden cubbies, bringing play, possibility, and joy to the space.
This wasn’t just another collaboration for us. It represented the beating heart of everything Castle & Cubby stands for: blending sustainability, imagination, and connection. Here’s how we got to be part of this award-winning garden and why it means so much to us.
To say we’re in awe of Phil, his passion for landscape design and his talent for weaving together nature and sensory exploration, is an understatement.
As the daughter of a respected Landscape Architect and Stonemason (hello, school holidays spent wheelbarrowing sand, mixing cement, and lugging bricks), I have the utmost respect for landscapers and the tireless work and passion that go into thoughtful design. It's a craft rooted not only in the psychology of space and people, but also in choosing the best plants for the environment and the elements that bring it all to life.
Landscaping is an art form, and its artists transcend visual beauty, designing spaces that engage all our senses and shape how we relate to the world around us.
We’re beyond honoured to keep working with Phil and to be even a small part of his family’s stories and memories—ones we hope will last a lifetime.
Bloody luv ya, Phil! Let’s keep making magic together, mate!
Kel & Jono xx
The Evolution From MIFGS to Saltbush on the Bellarine
It all began with Saltbush, an award-winning garden conceptualised by Phillip Withers and first showcased at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) in 2024. Inspired by Victoria’s rugged Bellarine coastline, the design celebrated the resilience and beauty of local environments.
Moving beyond its status as a temporary exhibition, Saltbush found its permanent home in East Geelong. Dubbed Saltbush on the Bellarine, the garden now serves as a tranquil, multipurpose family oasis, merging function with breathtaking form. Every tree, plant, and design choice was carefully curated to honour the area’s natural biodiversity.
When Phillip invited Castle & Cubby to contribute to this living, breathing space, we couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Castle & Cubby’s Role in the Garden
At the heart of Saltbush on the Bellarine sits one of our classic cubbies. Crafted with sustainably sourced timber and our signature pitched roof, this design was chosen not just as an aesthetic addition but as a place for meaningful play. Nestled among the bushes, flowers, and grasses, the cubby encourages children to interact with the natural world, exploring textures, scents, and the joy of outdoor adventure.
Our ethos as a company has always been centred on fostering creativity and connection through play. The cubby provides kids with a space where they can imagine, build, and dream while surrounded by native plants and the soothing sounds of nature.
Here’s the twist that makes us proudest: the cubby doesn’t just fit into the garden’s aesthetic; it complements the message. Just like Saltbush promotes sustainability and local biodiversity, our cubbies are crafted to inspire a love for natural materials and conscious living.
This special addition turns a family garden into a place where playful memories and environmental awareness grow side-by-side.
why this collaboration matters
A Celebration of Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Saltbush and Castle & Cubby. By sourcing local and recycled materials, Phillip ensured the garden honoured nature rather than disrupted it. Similarly, our cubbies are made from eco-conscious timber, built to last and reduce waste. Together, we’ve created a space that shows families how choosing thoughtful, sustainable designs can nurture both communities and the planet.
Sensory Exploration for All Ages
The Saltbush Garden was designed to be more than a look-and-admire experience. It’s an invitation to touch, walk, smell, and even taste (thanks to plants like local herbs and fruit trees). By adding a Castle & Cubby play zone, the garden amplifies its interactivity, sparking curiosity in children and adults alike. Every corner is a fresh discovery, every detail a gentle nudge to connect with nature.
Supporting Real Play
Play isn’t just about games; it’s about learning, growing, and connecting. Whether it’s a child clambering into their cubby to act out wild adventures or a family enjoying an afternoon exploring the garden, this space encourages real play. It shows how surroundings sculpt experiences. And with the joy of exploration comes a deeper appreciation for the story of the earth underneath us.
Collaborating with Phillip and his team has been inspiring, to say the least. His eye for detail, his creative spirit, and his undeniable love for local landscapes are nothing short of infectious. We’ve worked on several projects together, and each time, it feels like stepping into a bigger story. We’re beyond grateful to be part of creations that don’t just stand out visually but also have values aligned with ours.
Phillip shared this about working with us:
Right back at you, Phil! It’s a privilege to be part of your creative world.
featured in the design files
Did we mention that Saltbush on the Bellarine was featured in The Design Files, Australia’s renowned destination for design inspiration? Their beautiful feature on the garden highlights the intricate design, the use of sustainable materials, and the exquisite flow of the entire space. Seeing our cubby celebrated as part of this award-winning installation is a moment we’ll always cherish.
If you’d like to explore the full story, you can read The Design Files piece here.
Bring magic to Your space
Feeling inspired? Whether you’re aiming to create a play-focused garden or bring a touch of imagination to your backyard, we’d love to help. Our custom cubbies offer endless possibilities and match the values that shaped Saltbush: sustainability, creativity, and connection.
Explore our collection of sustainable cubbies here and start creating a space where nature, joy, and adventure come together.
