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 ITALIAN GARDEN

Once lawn, this garden was created after we returned from our trip to Italy.  In an attempt to minimise water usage and upkeep, I dug out the lawn and shifted the top layer of soil into newly created vegetable garden beds.  Travelling through Tuscany, Citrus planted in pots was a common occurrence.  Future plans will see a section of the fence removed and a Lych- gate or Arch topped with terracotta tiles to walk through as you make your way down to the lower garden.

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THE VERANDA GARDEN

These two garden beds have had a myriad of different plantings over the years.  The Fish Tail design of the box hedge is repeated in the metal work of 2 garden arches and the arbour located in the lower garden.  The standard roses are David Austin Ambridge and the climbing roses on the posts are Iceberg.

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                       PHYLLIS’ ROSE GARDEN

Dedicated to Rod’s Mum who gave me the terracotta decorative edging from out of her own garden just because I said I liked it.  In actual fact the edging came from her Grandmother’s garden so it is very special and significant.  With only one and a half tiles left over the design was influenced by the number of tiles available.  The burgundy roses are Francis Dubreuil and the climbing roses on the arch are Kathleen Harrop.

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GEKKO GARDEN

Originally planned to be a water pond, this sunken garden in the decking developed into a Xanthorea display when Rod was given the middle size plant as a gift from Alex, Aly and Christina.  Sitting the Grass tree in the vacant space just as a temporary resting place, a vision of the finished garden occurred to both Rod and myself.  Night lighting is appreciated from many vistas including the spa bath bay windows.  A Gekko ornament basks on a rock and a dragonfly is more subtly placed.

Sunday 9th November 2014

A perfect way on a perfect day to celebrate 50 years of life. 32 girl friends joined me in my favorite place, my garden where we indulged with bubbles and sweet & savory patisserie treats, hand made by my wonderful daughter, Aly. Not wanting to leave the guys who mean so much to me out of the mix, hubby Rod and son Alex dressed in black and waited on all us girls. My daddy Neil joined us later in the day and good friend David came and took photos of me with each of the groups of girls who mean so much to me.
Self guided garden tours were the order of the day, let me take you the reader on a tour now.

The Maples are coming

Planting 5 Japanese Maples in the south west garden was one of my best gardening choices to date. Every season brings delight. As spring unfolds so to do the fresh new leaves. A combination of red and green  with flowers too on closer inspection.  In the heat of summer, lush foliage has a cooling effect. Bare stems in winter display the jewels of rain drops. Finally but not least, the turning of leaves to dramatic reds in Autumn warms me right through.

Spring Showcase Continued

Prostanthera