Octopus Garden Design
Gerrad's TV-featured plant expertise and homeowner-readable design plans are what reviewers flag first.
That said, all three reviews are independently consistent: Gerrad's plant expertise and the clarity of his design documentation come up repeatedly, and one reviewer is a plant nursery supplier who sought him out specifically based on his television credentials, which adds a professional peer endorsement to the mix. If you're considering engaging him, it's worth asking to see a sample design document so you can judge the readability yourself, and confirming availability given he's a sole trader with no team mentioned.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (5 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 172 landscapings in Newcastle
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Octopus Garden Design
Gerrad (also known as Ged) is the sole designer behind Octopus Garden Design, and the reviews make clear that his plant knowledge is the standout credential — not just aesthetically but horticulturally, which matters when you're trying to create something that actually survives in a Sydney climate. His designs have been featured on national television programs including Better Homes & Gardens and The Garden Gurus, which speaks to a level of professional recognition that goes beyond local referrals. What reviewers highlight is that his plans are genuinely readable by homeowners — not just documents handed off to a landscaper — which suggests he designs with the build and the client in mind, not just the concept. As a sole trader with around 17 years active, Gerrad is the person you'll deal with from first conversation to final plan, which suits homeowners who want a single point of contact and consistent creative vision. The 'oasis' language that appears in reviews points toward a preference for considered, calming spaces rather than high-maintenance showpiece gardens.
Best for: homeowners wanting a plant-knowledgeable designer for a residential garden transformation, clients who need clear design documentation to hand to a builder or landscaper, and those seeking a single experienced designer to manage the concept from first brief to final plan.
Location
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Octopus Garden Design
Who actually does the design work at Octopus Garden Design?+
Gerrad (also referred to as Ged in reviews) is the sole designer and operator of the business. He handles the design work personally, which means you're dealing directly with the person whose name is on the business from start to finish. Reviews mention him by name consistently, and a plant nursery supplier described working with him based on his television profile on shows like Better Homes & Gardens and The Garden Gurus.
What areas does Octopus Garden Design service?+
The business is based in The Junction, NSW, which is an inner suburb of Newcastle. Reviews don't specify how far Gerrad travels for projects, so if you're outside the Newcastle inner area, it's worth confirming his service radius directly before getting too far into the process.
What do customers say about Gerrad's design documents?+
One reviewer specifically praised the plans as 'easy to read and interpret', which suggests the documentation is produced with the end user — whether homeowner or landscaper — clearly in mind. This is a practical detail that matters if you're handing the design off to a separate landscaping contractor to build from. It's worth asking to see an example at consultation stage.
Does Octopus Garden Design also handle the physical landscaping work?+
Based on the available information, the business is listed under general contractor categories and focuses on design. Reviews don't mention Gerrad doing physical installation or construction work — the emphasis is on design plans and plant knowledge. Confirm at first contact whether he coordinates with landscapers or provides design documentation only.
How established is Octopus Garden Design?+
The business has been active for approximately 17 years and is GST registered, pointing to a long-running sole trader operation. That said, there are only 5 Google reviews on record, so the public review history is thin relative to the years of trading. The television appearances on national gardening programs provide an independent marker of professional standing beyond the review count.