Sam and Dianne’s Garden
Dianne and Sam Chi have lovingly developed their 2-hectare (5 acre) garden over the past 21 years. Today it is a wonderful blend of both English and oriental influences. It features sweeping lawns, ponds, fountains, a large ornamental lake, a waterfall and a waterway complete with resident Koi carp.
Even though the property is in a rain shadow area with shallow soils, all the plants look lush, green and healthy. An irrigation system has been installed but extra watering is sometimes necessary, so Dianne gets up early in the morning to water the plants. Sam and Dianne also enrich the soil using compost they make themselves from horse and cow manure mixed with grass clippings. Sam has built many of the seats, urns and stone figures around the garden, which has been extensively landscaped with sandstone. Red painted cement edging reinforces the strong oriental feel and defines the planted areas.
A moon gate inscribed with Chinese characters frames the back garden. A huge, red cement dragon sits nearby, with eyes flashing and nostrils smoking. A mosquito coil inside the dragon’s mouth produces the smoke and keeps the insects away at the same time.