The September Garden visit to Mike and Helen’s garden was attended by 36 visitors, all keen to view a wonderful range of natives and to gain some of Mike’s plant knowledge and expertise.
The sloping block sits north- south and was purchased in 1983 with work on the garden following soon after.
The front garden has two beds that have been improved with a mix of loam and sand to accommodate fussier WA plants while the rest of the garden is growing exceptionally well in hard Banyule clay soil.
Mike really does know what to plant where in a garden that is not irrigated. As Mike says “The plants tell you when they need a drink”
The main thoroughfare throughout the front and back garden is laid with brick, while offshoots of gravel paths wind you through the garden so that you can get a closer look at the diverse and interesting array of plants.
The glass house, nursery and veggie patch sit at the very back of the garden where big gums provide some shade from the north.
Mike’s garden is constantly evolving and changing, none more so than after a visit to WA in 1999. Thus began a garden that is dedicated to plants that are mostly from that area.
Report by Suzanne C.
Images from Jill L.
Australian Plants Society Yarra Yarra Inc. 