A joyful garden created with enthusiasm, energy and humour
11 Wiradjuri Close, Putta Bucca
Author: Jane Munro
If you’ve ever driven past Lindy Rouse’s garden in springtime you’ll recall the glorious show of wisterias and roses that grace the front fence. Lindy has been gardening here for 18 years and her garden displays all the signs of her love of plants and her affection for interesting garden collectables.
The long driveway is bordered by agapanthus. Honey locust, Chinese tallow and other deciduous trees are scattered about or planted in groups, on the lawn beyond, along with a fountain, bird baths and standard roses. This is a park-like garden, with plenty of space for children to run around.
Around the perimeter of the block are beds bursting with an eclectic variety of ornamentals and shrubs, displaying the diversity of plants which flourish in Mudgee’s extreme climate. The basis of this garden are the hardy salvias, valerian, lavender, daisies, and gorgeous pink and red geraniums, and many rose varieties. Sensational pink roses tumble over fences and trellises. Succulents are planted at various spots throughout the garden and in pots, which you will find in appealing groupings in secluded corners. There are swathes of winter and spring bulbs- jonquils, iris, water iris, jonquils and bluebells.
Here and there, rock borders have been formed around standard roses or camellias, underplanted with silvery-grey succulents. A post-and-rail fence protects a veggie and herb garden.
Interesting archways, bird baths and other constructions abound, many created out of all kinds of found objects and materials. Lindy has built rustic rockeries and informal walls out of slabs of ironstone, which form unexpected focal points. See silvery weathered tree roots used in sculptures, metal archways and decorative towers and trellises, archways. Ornamental birds, flowers and small creatures hide everywhere. There’s a dedicated peacock zone. Look out for 3 giant metal cicadas climbing a tree. Food and coffee will be available here.
