AMES Australasia
(est. 2010, Australia)
Nylex
(est. 1947, Australia)
Cyclone
(est. 1898, Australia)

AMES Australasia is a Melbourne-based company founded in 2010 that designs and produces research-driven landscaping and lifestyle products under various brand names with heritages in Australia dating back to the late nineteenth century, including Nylex, Hills, Northcote Pottery and Cyclone. On display at Melbourne Now are some of the company’s most inventive recent designs that address sustainability in Australian gardening while promoting the therapeutic benefits of one of our most popular national pastimes.

The Nylex Recycled Water series, designed between 2017–20, assists gardeners in utilising non-potable water for lawn and plant care. In certain councils, recycled water can be accessed via separate plumbing systems, which the water authority states must be clearly marked with warning signs and purple taps. The distinctive lilac colour of the range helps homeowners (and visitors) avoid confusion over which water sources are safe for consumption.

Also designed by AMES Australasia, the Cyclone Heavy Duty Telescopic Hedge Shears, designed in 2016, and Cyclone Extra Wide Leaf Rake, 2019, demonstrate the power of user-focused design to make strenuous gardening activities easier and safer. Hedge shearing requires upper body exertion, repetitive action and long reach, all of which can result in injury. The shears feature carbon steel blades and an obround anodised aluminium handle for a lightweight but powerful cutting action, plus a telescopic mechanism with a glass-filled nylon pivot bearing to facilitate higher reach. The Cyclone Extra Wide Leaf Rake features a simple yet effective innovation. The rake’s extra wide polypro-pylene head with its unique curve tine shape captures 45 per cent more garden waste per motion than standard versions, while remaining lightweight and comfortable to use.