Gardening Australia – May 2019

GARDENINGAUSTRALIA MAY 2019 35

G

ardeners are a generous mob,

divvying up abundant produce

among their family and friends,

sharing cuttings and seeds, and

imparting horticultural wisdom so others

can experience the joys of growing.

It was Eleanor Hodges’ generous nature

that prompted the experienced gardener to

open and share her 345m^2 native garden

in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris.

Visitors included her across-the-road

neighbour, Debbie Jerkovic, who was

captivated by the peaceful ambience and

delightful smells. Debbie hadn’t considered

a native garden for herself, and was

inspired by the way Eleanor had skillfully

created such a beautiful natural space.

“There’s a wonderful balance to the

garden; it’s interesting and inviting,” she

says. “Eleanor is adventurous and artistic

about how she presents her plants. Her eye

for where to place things is remarkable.”

A tall brush fence provides a backdrop

to the garden, and cocoons visitors as

they saunter around a large island bed via

twisty paths edged with rocks and logs.

Hundreds of native plants generate the

distinctive smell of the Australian bush,

including a towering lemon-scented gum

(Corymbia citriodora), boronias, numerous

mint bushes (Prostanthera spp.) and a

native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum).

Despite this profusion of native plants,

Eleanor doesn’t describe it as a bush

garden. “I have too many cultivars,” she

says. “I think of it as echoing the bush.

It’s a tranquil garden that’s colourful

through much of the year.”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

Eleanor’s garden features colourful natives,

including mauve native hibiscus (Alyogyne

huegelii ‘Misty’), red Sturt’s desert pea and

yellow kangaroo paw; flannel flower in bloom;

Eleanor (left) and Debbie are firm friends.