My Garden by Amanda Davis
First of all how would you describe your garden?
We are located in the western area of Northern Rivers making us a clash of Sub-tropical temperate. Our garden is young at 6 years of age and takes up six acres of land that started as a cattle plain. My husband and I garden differently, so there are a number of areas: I have a secret forest in the making whilst he has an open parkland. In our house yard there is an Asian inspired garden, cottage court yard, rose garden, tropical garden and of course an orchard and vegetable patch.
How did you get started in gardening?
All my grandparents gardened, as did my husbands, so it was a natural progression.
What motivates you to get up and garden?
The variety of birds and wildlife, including the bees and butterflies. The sun, the wind and the chance of a thunderstorm all give the feeling of freedom.
What were some of the unexpected hurdles in your garden? How did you deal with them?
The climate has been the largest hurdle. Things that we expected to grow didn’t and so we had to try new ideas.
What were some of the unexpected benefits from gardening?
Mainly the health benefits, keeping a sane mind and surviving emotional swings.
Is there a gardening moment that stands out for you?
I planted a Judas tree that looked dead for a very long time so I ran over it on the mower. Next rain out comes a shoot and another and now it is a lovely shrub size tree!
What has your garden taught you?
The garden teaches me patience, waiting for a cutting to take or a seed to develop or a bud to open. It also teaches us give and take, as we often have to sit down and work out where and what to do next.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?
I would be a nut.
What tips would you offer first time gardeners?
Start small and simple, and persevere.
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