Born from our own backyard, Up The Valley Path began with a problem...
Garden edging. Too plastic. Too cheap. Too boring. Nothing we could find matched the luxurious, tropical vibe we’d carefully cultivated in our Brisbane home. So, we made our own.
As lifelong creatives with backgrounds in art and design, and a shared love of tropical gardens, we decided to take matters into our own hands — literally.
Already an experienced garden and landscape designer, Hamish drew on his background in bespoke furniture and sculptural art — along with his deep knowledge of tropical plants — to transform a single garden edging design into a full collection of unique outdoor pieces: stepping stones, sculptural decor and stonework - crafted to turn ordinary spaces into something a little bit more special.
Emma soon came on board, bringing her experience in marketing and brand management to help turn Hamish’s beautiful and functional designs into a business. Together, we’ve combined creative and strategic minds to build something different from the norm, something we are incredibly proud of. Our aim is to grow a brand rooted in creativity, detail, and love for design.
We also wanted tropical artwork for our home that matched the energy of our garden — so, we started painting our own. Friends kept asking where we got it, so we turned that into part of our business too: original tropical art that speaks to the garden lover - bringing that same lush, vibrant feeling indoors.
Today, Up The Valley Path is both a studio and a service. We design and handcraft art and garden products in small batches, and offer bespoke tropical garden design across Brisbane.
We grow and supply plants directly from our own nursery, ensuring quality and consistency across every project.
We create for those who want more than just a garden — people who crave character, who notice the details, and who believe their home should feel like a sanctuary. Many of our clients are seasoned gardeners, design lovers, or simply people who believe in supporting local, small-batch craft over mass production.
Our aim is to offer timeless style, thoughtful design, and helping to create your own piece of paradise.
Because your sanctuary doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. It can feel like you.
Our Team
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Hamish Thomas, Designer and Garden Specialist
Hamish’s love for gardening started in a backyard in New Zealand, digging holes and planting alongside his dad — fascinated by the way plants could transform a space. Years later in Brisbane, that early curiosity evolved into a passion for crafting outdoor spaces that feel like private retreats: bold, lush, and a little bit different.
With a background in high-end interior design, bespoke furniture, and sculptural art, Hamish brings a designer’s eye to the garden. His deep knowledge of tropical plants and landscape design makes him an expert for creating outdoor spaces that are anything but ordinary.
Up The Valley Path is where Hamish brings it all together — his love of tropical gardening and his flair for colour, form, and artistic design — to help others reimagine what a garden can be.
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Emma Leadbetter, Marketing and Operations
Emma has always loved the colour and energy of the tropics, and the feeling of building something from the ground up — whether it’s a garden, a home, or a brand.
With a background in art, design, and marketing, she brings a hands-on approach to the way Up The Valley Path looks, feels, and runs.
Behind the scenes, she manages logistics, customer experience, branding, and marketing.
She helps Hamish carve out ideas, shape the artwork, and manages the direction of the business.
Emma believes a garden doesn’t just grow plants — it grows atmosphere, story, and connection. Her work aims to bring that same spirit into every part of the business.
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Dusty, Head of Distractions and Garden Zoomies
With a wagging tail and a love for the outdoors, Dusty ensures spirits stay high and breaks are taken often.
Dusty brings chaotic joy to every workday. Equal parts morale booster and mischief maker, she's good at keeping the team grounded and off track.
