Cliff Garden
John and Beth Craggs have proved beyond any doubt that it’s possible to transform a steep, rocky cliff face into a tropical resort style garden paradise. Twelve years ago they bought a one acre block at Clifton Springs on the Bellarine Peninsula, with wonderful views to Geelong, Melbourne and the You Yangs, and access right down to the beach at Corio Bay.
John & Beth love travelling, and spent many years backpacking around the world before they purchased their property. Although they had never gardened before, they set to work and created a garden full of foliage plants which looks good all year round, and draws much of its inspiration from their extensive trips around Asia. The garden is called ‘Hiaqua’ – a name John invented from the words high water.
How it was done
The site faces north/north west and strong winds blew over many of the existing trees. New trees, such as conifers and casuarinas, were planted to provide a dense windbreak along one side of the property.
John and Beth planted the steep slope bit by bit, using ropes and ladders so that they wouldn’t fall. First shadecloth was pegged over the area to be done, holes were cut in the shadecloth where plants were to go in, and the planting holes were dug with a crowbar.
The stairway down to the beach (comprising 89 steps) was designed and built by John, and the seven huts in the garden were hand thatched by John and Beth. The plants, including cocos palms, tall impatiens and cordylines, were chosen for their hardiness and tropical feel.
The long driveway leading to the house is covered with red gravel, which John keeps tidy with a special rake he designed himself. In this part of the garden the black trunks of tree ferns contrast beautifully with the green of the lawn, giving the area almost a surreal look. Beth feeds the ferns with a few tablespoons of sugar just before the new fronds appear.
John Lewis
John Lewis, a close friend and neighbour of the Craggs, wrote to Burke’s Backyard suggesting that we show the garden on the program. John was very excited when we contacted him to let him know we’d soon be visiting, but sadly he died before he could tell the Craggs the good news. John and Beth dedicated the segment to the memory of their friend.
Further information
The garden will open to the public as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme in March 2000. Proceeds will go to the Oncology Department of the Geelong Hospital. Phone 1900 155 064 closer to the date.