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Bob and Dot first met at High School
and after both going to Teachers' College started teaching
careers. They have four grown up children and five grandchildren.
In 1975 they purchased their present
property as a cherry and plum orchard and farmed it commercially
for about 14 years whilst both teaching and bringing up their
family. Meanwhile they established about one acre of garden
around the house.
In 1989 a tough decision was reached
and the orchard was bulldozed. At this point they started
planting a few gum trees but it wasn't long before the gum
trees had "friends' around them and thus started the native
garden. Bob and Dot both love the Australian native plants
and the birds and butterflies they attract.
The gardens were started completely
by Bob and Dot and the property was named by them. The only
original trees are two cherry trees near the house, a row
of cypress trees along the boundary (planted by early settlers
in the area as a wind-break) and a large pine tree. As Bob
says, "You can blame us for any mistakes here as it is all
our work."
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Dot took up counselling training
after retiring from teaching at the end of 1982 and
spent some time counselling and being involved in "Care"
ministry. At present she is involved in "Kairos Outside"
a ministry to women whose loved ones are in gaol, and
also corrects Bible Study notes for prisoners in gaols.
Bob also retired from teaching
at the end of 1982 and enthusiastically started propagating
plants. He now spends time giving talks to interested
Probus and Gardening groups.
Bob's deep care for the environment
and amazing energy and enthusiasm in gardening was recognized
by ABC Gardening Australia when he was awarded the "Gardener
of the Year 2005."
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Bob and Dot both have
lots of energy and tackle whatever they do with enthusiasm
and determination. Whenever they meet a challenge they like
to meet it head-on.
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Yarra Valley Accommodation,
Dandenongs Gardens, Australian Hospitality
