Ross and Rosemary Haywood's inspirational garden, 'Girrawheen', has been developed over a 20-year period. When Ross and Rosemary first purchased the property, it consisted of a small house surrounded by gum trees. They removed most of the trees, extended the house and built a tennis court with the help of a group of friends. The garden was designed by Rosemary, area by area, starting with the rockery around the tennis court.

Creating the garden has been both a passion and a learning experience for Rosemary, who has changed her design ideas over the years. Her original garden was filled with roses, but now she incorporates other plants to soften the whole effect and add interest throughout the year. She chooses plants for each area very carefully, incorporating design elements such as large-scale plantings, swathes of plants, bold colours and interesting foliage textures. Parts of the garden have been inspired by extensive travel overseas, for example a Mediterranean garden and a citrus walk with shasta daisies and oregano. There is also a French potager complete with vegetables, marigolds (to repel nematodes) and a stunning, ceramic bell centrepiece.

Rosemary has a wonderful eye for colour. On the day we visited there were great swathes of pink sedum (Sedum 'Autumn Joy') in the front garden. On the terrace adjacent to the lawn yellow cannas (Canna cv) were in full flower, bordered by a low box hedge and a row of silvery-leaved lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina). The house has been painted slate and all the pots black or charcoal. That way, all the attention is focussed on the plants, and everything else is just a backdrop to the garden.

Further information

Girrawheen garden, 57 McGowans Road, Donvale, Victoria, is open on 9-10 November 2002, 10am - 4.30pm with Australia's Open Garden Scheme. For more details phone 1902 261 026.

Ceramic bell pots are available from selected nurseries and garden centres nationally. They come in two sizes: large 63.5cm tall, 1m diameter - from about $950
small 40cm tall, 60cm diameter - from about $470

To find your nearest stockist, phone (03) 9824 6722 or visit the website: www.bonbell.com.au

Copyright CTC Productions 2002