Born and raised in Sydney,
Michael graduated from the University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury) in Horticultural Science. He majored in landscaping and natural area management and today these two passions intertwine through his works.
Upon graduation, he purchased a farm in Northern NSW on the volcanic basalt flows associated with Mt. Warning. In these early days, he worked on an avocado orchard and nursery, installed a macadamia orchard and worked in the Sydney Basin managing bushland restoration projects for ‘The National Trust of Australia’
As well, he has operated a horticultural/environmental consultancy service focusing on landscape assessments and writing management plans for government, community and private clients. He has also held advisory roles as an independent panel member to local and state government.
For 26 years, Michael has also been employed as a horticulture and environment teacher with a government agency. Michael’s experiences have engendered a fascination and appreciation for gardens, the environment, flora, fauna, culture and the connections people share with the land.