Horticulturist, Director & Founder

“To take ordinary gardens and transform them into something amazing has been my passion for many years. I love to create beautiful spaces that are welcoming, relaxing and inviting. I want to help people achieve their goals and dreams by doing what I know and love.”

Chris’s love of nature came from spending weekends in the Aussie Bush as a child and going on family camping trips to various National Parks around NSW. It wasn’t until many years later when she needed to create a privacy screen for the front of her home that she absolutely fell in love with plants and the whole process of creating gardens.

That was back in 2001 and since then she hasn’t stopped developing her knowledge and experience with plants and gardens. She has provided countless garden makeovers for her family and friends over the years while juggling a demanding career as a primary teacher and looking after her own children.

As often happens, a family crisis caused Chris to reassess her life and truly follow her dreams. As she cared for her Dad who was unable to walk or speak due to an horrific stroke, she dedicated any spare time she had to learning from experts and experimenting in her own gardens. During those years, Chris achieved qualifications in Horticulture and started her own business.

Horticulturist & Site Manager

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the progress of the gardens we’ve created and the habitat returning to urban areas. I love observing wildlife and their interactions with the natural environment. Helping people learn to utilise their spaces so they can enjoy home grown produce is really fulfilling as well.”

Ash grew up on a farm in regional NSW and has inherited her father’s passion for plants and permaculture. An appreciation for the native flora and fauna surrounding her childhood home led to an interest in improving biodiversity and conserving native vegetation.

Living on a property where nothing went to waste has taught her the joys of repurposing old materials into new and beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.

The creativity and resourcefulness of this practice aligns with her personal commitment to reducing waste.

As the go-to person in her family when someone had a sick house plant, it was only natural for Ash to look for a career working with plants and gardens.

Since starting her career with Street Appeal, Ash has developed a love for creating habitat and production gardens using environmentally sustainable practices. She feels honoured to work with a team of like minded, passionate, professional women in a field that creates positive change for our planet.

Horticulturist & Team Leader

“I love working in gardens across the Newcastle region — meeting the people behind each space and observing how plants respond to different soils and climates. At Street Appeal, we encourage diversity and also question the routine use of chemicals and synthetic fertilisers, choosing organic methods that support healthier soil and more resilient gardens. I believe deeply in this approach, and I’m proud to contribute to it.”

Britt grew up in the Northern Territory, spending her childhood sailing, fishing, and camping — a life shaped by the outdoors long before gardening ever became a passion. Her family’s garden was a place of calm and natural beauty surrounded by red bauxite and she has fond memories of climbing their Tamarind tree, a grove of Paperbarks in the backyard and her mother’s quiet rituals of composting, tending to a fernery, and collecting buffalo manure to fertilise the lawn. 

It wasn’t until Britt moved to Newcastle and had children that she realised she loved gardening and the act of tending to a garden became a way of grounding herself, connecting her to a new place, and creating beauty and stability for her family. This interest led her to formal study, and she enrolled in horticulture to deepen her knowledge.

Over the years, Britt has worked in retail nurseries, gaining a broad and practical understanding of plants, soils, and the diverse ways people imagine their gardens. This experience opened doors to exploring different garden styles and learning how plants behave across climates and conditions. She has also worked hands-on in residential gardens, grown vegetables and flowers, and dabbled in landscape design.

Today, Britt’s gardening practice is reflective and personal — shaped by observation, patience, and a genuine love of all plants. She approaches each garden with care and respect knowing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether she’s with her hands in the soil, nurturing a garden, or helping someone discover the right plant for their home, Britt loves to create a sense of place for each garden she tends to.

Office Manager

“Spending time with my grandfather who grew vegetables and had a beautiful garden sparked my interest in gardening, so I am proud to be supporting a team and clients that are bringing native flora and fauna into the local community.  I love the innovation and love for natives that the team have and I’m learning new things from them everyday.”

Chrystie is the friendly voice and organised hands behind the scenes.  From your first enquiry to the day your garden service is complete.

Customer service is something Chrystie truly values.  She loves building relationships with our clients and ensuring everyone is supported.  Being part of a team that transforms and nurtures nature is incredibly rewarding to her.