Lowick Films’ Sam Icklow (While The Men Are Away, Apricot) today announced the option of Sara Hardy’s acclaimed biography, ‘The Unusual Life of Edna Walling’. The definitive portrait of one of Australia’s most celebrated landscape designers will be adapted for the screen by Icklow, who will also direct.

Icklow says, “Edna Walling was not just a visionary gardener, but a trailblazer whose work speaks directly to the environmental and social conversations of today. Her story is one of resilience, creativity and self-discovery, and I’m thrilled to bring her legacy to life on screen for local and international audiences.”

Walling was born in England in 1895 and grew up in Plymouth, Devon. In 1913, Walling emigrated with her family to New Zealand before settling in Melbourne, Australia, where she joined the first all-female class at the Burnley School of Horticulture. Graduating in 1917, Walling quickly established herself as one of Australia’s most influential landscape designers. Over a career spanning four decades, she designed over 300 gardens, including commissions for luminaries such as Dame Nellie Melba, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Sir Frank Packer, as well as writing instructive articles for the DIY gardener.

Known for her tightly cropped hair, men’s jodhpurs and tweeds, Walling’s unconventional style mirrored her bold approach to life. Beyond her work as a landscape designer, she was also a writer, photographer, architect and entrepreneur. In 1928, she created Bickleigh Vale, a unique residential community designed to reflect her Devonian roots and arts and crafts ideals. Known locally as ‘Trousers Lane’ due to its reputation as a haven for independent women, the suburb continues to thrive today, a testament to Walling’s enduring legacy.

Walling’s independent career was groundbreaking during a time where women were expected to stay at home. A pioneer in her field, Walling championed the use of native plants and sustainable design, cementing her reputation as an early conservationist.

Actor and playwright Sara Hardy first encountered Edna Walling when she portrayed her in the play ‘Edna for the Garden’. Like Edna, she grew up in Devon but later made Australia her home. Inspired by playing Edna, Hardy began a five year journey to uncover Walling’s personal letters, photographs and family stories, piecing together a vivid portrait of her life.

‘The Unusual Life of Edna Walling’ explores not only Walling’s professional achievements, but also her personal relationships and evolving sense of identity as a queer woman in a conservative time. Hardy’s research offers a nuanced look at the partnerships and friendships that supported Walling’s extraordinary career.

Hardy says, “I am so excited that Sam has chosen to make a biopic based on my biography of the wonderful yet perpetually ‘challenging’ Edna Walling. Sam understands the brilliance of Edna Walling’s creative force, and the complexities of her ‘misfit’ emotions. I completely trust in Sam’s vision to create a lush filmic landscape featuring an inspirational woman who still has relevance for us today.”

The project has received development funding from Screen NSW.