Fergus grew up in a small country town in southern New Zealand, where a strong family interest in gardening first shaped his passion for horticulture. Surrounded by the large, ornamental gardens tended by his parents and grandparents, he developed an early appreciation for plants, landscapes, and the natural environment.

In 1989, Fergus moved to Melbourne to pursue broader, professional opportunities in horticulture. There, he completed formal qualifications in horticulture and garden design and went on to build extensive hands-on experience maintaining some of Melbourne’s most distinguished private gardens.

In 2005, Fergus began working with respected garden designer Ian Barker. Over the following seven years, they established the maintenance division of what would become one of Melbourne’s leading garden maintenance companies, Ian Barker Gardens.

In 2012, Fergus relocated to Central Victoria and founded Rural Gardens, fulfilling his long-term goal of creating a business focused on the care and maintenance of country properties. Rural Gardens specialises in managing landscapes designed by some of Australia’s most recognised landscape designers, with an emphasis on quality, plant health, and long-term garden performance.

With more than 30 years of experience across horticulture, business, and management, Fergus brings deep industry knowledge and practical expertise to his role. As Director and Maintenance Manager of Rural Gardens, he leads a committed team dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful, healthy gardens for their clients to enjoy.

Fergus holds a Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture and a Graduate Certificate in Garden Design from the University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus. He is widely regarded for his professionalism, experience, and longstanding contribution to the horticultural industry.