An eclectic, eco-friendly garden crammed with a rich assortment of plants

After their last open garden weekend was cut short by excessive heat, Turlatina Wirra will be open again for one day only on Sunday, March 1st.

The owners have arranged a range of extra activities. These include displays by a kiln-fired fused glass artist and a Swedish-Australian textile artist, a plant stall, a treasure hunt for children and tea, breathwork sessions with Jeanette throughout the day, coffee, and Syrian and Australian food. At 4.30 pm, visitors are invited to stay for a relaxing yoga session with well-known teacher Wendy Samak for $15.

With a shared love of gardening and plenty of enthusiasm, Kinda and Stuart have created an eclectic, eco-friendly garden crammed with a rich assortment of plants.

The front yard has a tropical ambience with a variety of palm trees alongside lush philodendrons, citrus trees, and flourishing banana plants. A bamboo wall divides the front courtyard, and a serene Buddha statue provides a peaceful backdrop for a meditation retreat.

Kinda’s extensive collection of indoor pot plants has spilled out of the house into an outdoor area where she propagates many different foliage plants, orchids, ferns, and succulents. As well as in pots, they grow in the ground and in hanging baskets, creating lush green layers peppered with splashes of colourful foliage and flowers.

The ponds and the rocky watercourse that trickle through the back garden are Stuart’s vision, and, as well as being an attractive highlight, they also provide habitat for fish, frogs and insects. Bamboo, palms and large-leaved plants create a sub-tropical feel, and there are plenty of flowering species to attract butterflies and pollinating insects. Several bright red structures include a small bridge over the stream, a Japanese-style Torii gate, and a Bali-style hut and seat, adding to the colourful, exotic flavour.

The lower section of the block slopes steeply. It has been terraced with raised beds planted with a wide range of vegetables and edible plants, including unusual varieties such as sweet potato, climbing spinach, turmeric, and ginger. Pumpkin and watermelon are allowed to trail freely through the beds, also shading the soil.  A grapevine climbs over an arbour, and fruit trees include avocados, apples, stone fruits, bananas, and citrus.  Insects are encouraged, and a bank of tropical milkweed is planted as a host plant for the many monarch butterflies that enjoy the garden.

A long verandah overlooks the garden and provides a glimpse of the nearby sea - a lovely spot to enjoy a cuppa and Kinda’s home-cooked Syrian delicacies

The garden was recently featured on Gardening Australia. Click here to take a look

NOTE: THERE ARE LOTS OF STEPS IN THIS GARDEN, SO TAKE EXTRA CARE