December’s garden visit was to the Cumbalum property of our Garden Visit Co-ordinator, Suzie. The gesture of opening her garden for a pre-Christmas visit was a thoughtful way to make up for the missed garden visits throughout the year due to inclement weather. Her initiative provided an opportunity for members to enjoy the beauty of the garden and celebrate the season together, perhaps adding a bit of joy and relaxation before the busy holiday period.
I asked her to explain her garden’s journey:
“In 2016 Joff and I bought our property in Cumbalum little knowing how much maintenance it takes to look after land of that size if you want it to stay under control and look good.
I decided that I wanted to turn relatively bare land and veggie patch into an English looking garden which hastily added to the list of maintenance!
Using virtually all recycled materials for decoration , structures and pathways I set about designing some potting sheds and arbours that gave it character and appeal and then planned the gardens around them.
On top of that we had to plant massive screening on either side on our house to screen off rather large sheds that have been built next to the boundary.
Firstly removing lots of unnecessary palm trees I planted as many natives and bird attracting trees and shrubs in strategic positions , mostly From seedlings or small root stock.
I then built the arbours and put in archways to specialise in trailing plants over for colour.
Mainly using Boganvillia, climbing Roses, Pandoras. Jasmines , and Baumontia.
Then I started covering the delapidated horse fencing with honeysuckle and Rambling Roses.
These give the wonderful romantic English garden illusion.
Over the potting sheds I used , Beauganvillia, Allemanda , and pandorea.
A section for Cammelias, Hydrangeas , Clivias and ferns have given colour to the shaded areas and two Mauritius Hemps are grand features in the corners.
Finally planting lots of Roses and filled the flower beds between with Salvias mystic spires and Cuphea to stop the weeds and give more colour.
Using Box and Durenta repen for the low hedges and topiary structures and Brogmansia, ficus and Crepe Myrtle for feature trees gave more of the English style.
Every window from the house gives me a feature to look at and something of interest and pleasure seeing the flowers blooming and the bird and bees busily collecting nectar.
Most of all the happiness the garden gives me daily having a hobby that keeps me active and gives pleasure to those that visit.
Always having a project and something to research with information from garden shows and visits, radio shows and simply sharing ideas and inspiration from fellow gardeners al over the world is great for this stage of life.
But most importantly , the friendship , help and kindness of the Bangalow Garden Club members makes it all worthwhile. “
