Name: Rosa and Simon Mackenzie, Griffith

Address: 6 Murphy Cresent, Griffith 

How long have you worked on this garden?

My husband and I started our first and only garden when we purchased our empty town block in the summer of 1967, which adjoined an equally bare and dry park, sparsely dotted with small native cypress pines.

We soon planted the lawn followed by literally dozens of our favourite trees with the aim of creating our own oasis perfect for our house. We soon discovered the trees had turned into a forest and some quick help and information was needed. With help from sympathetic local experienced gardeners and with time our dream garden became a reality.

What style of garden is it?

I would describe my garden as a blend of classical English style with a continental twist, which may be a reflection of my Italian heritage.

What has inspired you? 

I am sure my love of gardening was inspired by my late mother. She enjoyed gardening right through to her 90’s and she had a great talent for growing plants from cuttings or seeds, consequently she had no need for a nursery.

What do you get out of the garden?

Everything I do in the garden gives me pleasure and serenity. I’ve welcomed that as in life nothing lasts forever. I’ve had some heartbreaking losses of lovely trees over the years, but have learnt to cope and start again with recovered vigor.

What’s your favourite part of the garden and why?

I have no favourite part of my garden, except I particularly like spring time. I like to sit with a tea on my stone seat and enjoy the view and listen to the different native birds singing happily, perched on my wisteria vine. 

What do you enjoy most about the Festival of Gardens and why?

I enjoy the fact that most visitors to the festival are gardeners or garden lovers and we can all share our love for gardening. I haven't opened my garden for a few years so this year I am looking forward to all the visitors whether local or from out of town, we will all have something in common and to talk about.