Our home issue 13

OUR

HOME

• people • places • produce

ISSUE 13 SPRING/ SUMMER 2013

Kitchen ideas Bring spring indoors

Trends and tips for the heart of your home

Pops of colour in decor and simple flower arrangements

Love your LAWN • WIN INSTANT TURF • HOW TO CHOOSE WISELY

Heritage charm

• Everything old is new again • Modern living fused with bygone era

PLUS: GARDENS, RECIPES AND greater shepparton FARMGATE TRAIL Our HOME

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our

HOME

Welcome

On the cover: Old-world charm – page 5 Photograph: Julie Mercer

Spring is here to thaw the winter chill

Editor Corinna Boldiston Phone 5820 3183

Even a sprint to the letterbox takes great courage from me during winter – and I have a habit of reminding anyone in earshot!

Writers Kerri Thomson Jenna Bishop Laura Griffin Estelle Griepink Alexandra Bolkas

So apparently I owe the troops a pile of silver for my relentless groaning during the big chill.

Sub-editors Shepparton News sub-editing department Graphic design Teresa Lagozzino Photographers Ray Sizer Julie Mercer Simon Bingham Bianca Mibus Contributors Alastair McDonald Cheryl Hammer Bethanie Sessions Digital editor Lance Simpson Advertising manager Aaron Brown Phone 5820 3187

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I love the promise the arrival of spring delivers. A burst of garden colour, sunshine warming our faces – and my brood being spared my dread of the cold.

The arrival of spring also promises lots of inspiration and ideas in this issue of Our Home.

We feature two homes with distinct heritage flavour.

Renee and Matt Williams’ Kialla home (opposite page) is a gorgeous new build which proudly exudes the charm of a bygone era, while Andrea Thompson’s 111-year-old Shepparton home (page 21) combines heritage architecture with modern decorating. Interestingly, this heritage-listed home was designed with sustainable attributes. Check out page 18 for sustainable design ideas you can apply today.

Our feature room – the kitchen (page 10) – has a host of ideas for what for many is the heart of their home.

Bold colour abounds in Patsy Winter’s favourite

Greater Shepparton Tourism Month and our regional farmgate feature (page 46) offer plenty more reasons to get out and celebrate the promise of the warmer months.

Enjoy!

Corinna Boldiston Editor

Now online . . .

Contents HOMES 5

Everything old is new again New build fused with Federation charm

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Feature room: Kitchen trends and tips

14

Style ideas: Simple flower arrangements and spring decorating

21

Classic home with a few changes Heritage beauty is home to modern living

25

Building design Sustainable design advice

28

These are some of my favourite things: City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan

30

My favourite room: Patsy Winter’s colourful dining room

34

Giveaways Win Sir Walter turf and lawn care books

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A theme of green gardens runs through our garden pages with an exciting promise to one lucky Our Home reader of winning 50 sq m of Sir Walter garden turf from Coolabah Turf (page 34). This exciting prize includes free delivery to anywhere in the Shepparton region. Plus we have 10 gorgeous lawn care coffee table books to give away – so hurry, get your entries in!

Our Home – online at mmg.com.au

Published by Shepparton News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria 3632. (03) 5831 2312

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room (page 30) and we step behind the public world of City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan to discover some of the sentimental pieces that make her house a home.

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Open garden Retreat to a gorgeous Rushworth haven

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No-mow garden Low maintenance and high in personality

42

Vertical gardens Think outside the square

LIFESTYLE 46

Destinations: Taste the delights from the region’s farm gates and kitchen doors of boutique producers

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Recipes: Dookie Primary School shares gourmet delights from garden to plate

Share your home

after mes before and Our Home welco tions va no new home, re photos of your stories ial nt vers as pote and room makeo tions. ca bli pu s in future or picture spread n@ sto corinna.boldi Email images to with a brief .au om sheppnews.c daytime ur project and a description of yo mber. contact phone nu

Our HOME

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old is new again everything story Kerri Thomson PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE MERCER AND BETHANIE SESSIONS

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The Federation style of the home influenced Renee’s colour choices, from the `Crocodile’ wall paint colour to the plush burgundy carpet, rectangle decorative ceiling panel and the grand centre-piece, the fireplace with a timber mantle and surround with cast iron insert and tiles.

Renee’s choice of the swag design and simple sheer curtain provides a timeless decorative element in the formal lounge room.

Transforming a run-down home and restoring its character fitted Renee Williams’ brief, but her husband Matt wasn’t convinced.

Thinking ahead, Renee sourced the palm from Avenel Palm World and put it on a 12-month layby.

To renovate or build is often a tug-of-war -- and with three young children to consider, Renee’s renovation aspiration was swept under the carpet in favour of a new build.

The house is dressed in pressed red bricks, a terracotta roof and bellpitched verandah from the roofline – which eliminated the need for a separate roof.

The upside of their decision to build was the freedom to settle on a large block with bush surrounds in Sevens Creek Estate, Kialla.

Most home builders have a clear vision of their plans but the translation of ideas can often be a problem.

Also, the Federation design fulfilled Renee’s love of an older-style look and allowed them to fuse an antique feel into their new home.

“I knew exactly what I wanted but found it hard to explain,” Renee said.

Renee, a colour consultant, has an eye for detail and colour and her ideas were instrumental to the plans.

“I would take photos to show and tell,” Renee said.

“A lot of effort went into achieving that old-fashioned look on a budget,” Renee said.

Speaking of old, a 90-year-old date palm is strategically set just off centre from the front door.

“If I was going to have this style home it needed the palm tree,” Renee said.

Her solution was to present pictures of what she wanted.

The curved bay window in the formal lounge room isn’t a typical design and Renee photographed her ideas to assist the builders.

It was the same scenario for the leadlight windows: “A combination of three photos with different leadlight patterns enabled me to design my own pattern.”

The fireplace was a find.

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The finer details mattered to Renee and she was determined to fit internal doors with the old-fashioned three-panel door profile. The Hemlock veneer doors were $204.75 each and the door handles and hinges are Australian-made replicas.

The hallway wall features pressed tin in an original design, also painted in ‘Crocodile’ and the laminate-style floor boards are by Karndene in `Oak Royal’.

Most period homes feature plaster semicircular arches, and the inclusion of two thick arches with ornamental corbels complement this long hallway.

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With a traditional external colour scheme of deep red and cream, the intricate detailing is displayed in the external brickwork on the round window. The design was deliberate, Renee (pictured above) said, with the facia bricks cut in half and moulded curved bricks on the window sill for a subtle round appearance.

Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

207 High St, Shepparton VIC 3630 Phone: (03) 5821 0006

www.soundsaround.com.au homes

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Beneath the gleaming downlights the `Black Galaxy’ granite bench surface glitters with specks of gold.

Above: Renee commissioned Kialla Glass and Leadlights to make the new leadlight windows utilising her design ideas. The template was a combination of patterns featuring a scalloped drape, roses and droplets in royal blue, red, green, yellow and orange with frosted and clear glass.

Left: Renee has decorated the children’s bedrooms to reflect their ages and personalities Lachlan, 8, loves old-fashioned toys and things that fly, whereas Bree, 6, has a room decorated in soft pastels.

Below: Contemporary tiles in the ensuite create an elegant tone whereas the leadlight porthole window emphasises the period style of the home.

“I wanted to keep the style old-fashioned, but because it was our space I wanted to do something modern,” Renee said.

“A lot of effort went into achieving that oldfashioned look on a budget.”

RENEE WILLIAMS

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The Eiffel Tower print framed in silver enables Renee to reminisce about her visit to the iconic landmark on a recent trip to Europe. >>> 6 “We bought the timber mantelpiece on eBay and when we went to pick it up the lady also had the cast-iron insert and decorative tiles that were a perfect colour match of pinks,” Renee said.

“We paid $800 for the lot; it was meant to be, we fluked it.”

Renee chose bevelled glass doors between the formal lounge room and hallway to isolate noise and avoided creating a solid barrier.

Her affection for character features required hours of trawling for the right fixtures to provide authenticity to the design. Her efforts resulted in solid panel doors and handles, hinges, door stops and switches in antique copper, period light fittings and decorative ceiling panels – little has escaped Renee’s attention to detail.

A measure of her determination and commitment to the project was the day she hooked up a trailer and drove to Melbourne -and brought home 19 doors.

In the hallway Renee went to the extra expense of installing pressed tin panels. “It took Dad and I a whole weekend to put it on,” she said.

There are two thick arches, which Renee concedes were Matt’s idea, and there was a conscious decision to cater for a young family by opting for practical flooring.

“With young children there is wear and tear so we decided on laminate floor boards,” Renee said.

In the bathroom and laundry, black and white geometric tiles laid on a diagonal reflect Renee’s desire to include period aspects.

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A mixture of black and brown window furnishings flows throughout the home, from classical drapes, swags and pelmets to modern striped blinds in the play room.

At the completion of the nine-month project the couple achieved all they set out to do.

“We achieved what we wanted to,’’ Renee said, “even to the snowdrops in the front garden.”

The proof of the beautiful result they achieved is the HIA award for best custom-built home in North East Victoria under $350 000, earned in 2011.

“Initially there was the excitement of our builders, Sessions, nominating our home -- and then we were just ecstatic because we couldn’t believe we had done so well,” Renee said. v

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207 High St, Shepparton VIC 3630 Phone: (03) 5821 0006

www.soundsaround.com.au homes

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feature room

story jenna bishop

There’s nothing more exciting than getting the opportunity to renovate or design a new dream kitchen.

However, as one of the most used rooms in a home, there are many important things to consider when planning a new kitchen.

Our Home LOOKS AT tips and trends to help you start planning your dream kitchen.

take your kitchen

from drab to fab Cabinetry An increasingly popular decorating trend is using glossy finishes on kitchen cabinetry.

KitchenWise colour consultant Kris Wright said such a finish could be obtained using two-pack paint products or silk-finish laminate, depending on your budget.

“It does give it quite an elegant, sophisticated feel and a quite contemporary look,” she said.

Glossy finishes need not be confined to modern kitchens; Kris said French provincial and classic country-style kitchens could also suit this trend.

Soft-touch drawer systems are also something to consider.

Bench: Essa Stone Green Tea, 60 mm thick, pencil edge. Waterfall end on breakfast bar Cabinets: Colourtech, Parchment, hi-gloss soft bevel Glass doors: Clear glass

Replacing handles can provide the quickest reinvention of your kitchen – just remember to choose the same hole pattern as any handles you remove.

Bench tops Bench tops are often a decorative feature in a kitchen, and there are two popular options to help make a statement, depending on financial considerations.

Laminate-style bench tops come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, while stone can also offer different finishes, including terrazzo and granite.

Kris said a new trend was using textured finishes on cupboards and drawers, such as wood-grain-style laminate, which offered colour, look and feel.

Kris said soft-touch runners could help ensure that crockery and other breakable items did not become chipped or broken.

Splashbacks

Modern kitchens also feature a lot of drawers, which can help create extra storage and increase functionality.

All kitchen splashbacks need to be heat resistant behind cook tops and must adhere to Australian Energy Safe guidelines.

Look for magic corner-style aids to help utilise space in corner cupboards – these fantastic creations allow access to the deepest corner of the cupboard in a swivel-out attachment.

Glass splashbacks are on a lot of homeowners’ wish lists because of their modern appearance and the easy-to-clean surface.

Drawer-style pantries can also utilise deep spaces while still leaving all ingredients accessible, while bins can be cleverly hidden inside drawers.

With regard to handles, Kris said strong square lines were popular, but the choice of handles would ultimately reflect the kitchen’s style.

Handles are usually priced from $3 to $60 each and there is something to suit every theme.

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Measurements for the glass are made after kitchen installation, and the splashback needs to be fired and toughened in a kiln by a glazier.

Tile splashbacks can suit budget through to high-end kitchens, depending on tile selection.

There is a huge variety of tiles to choose from, giving homeowners the scope to create any theme they desire.

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Bench: Wilsonart Travertine Malt concrete finish, 180º rolled edge Splashback: Gloss White tiles, 100 mm x 300 mm Cabinets: Laminex, Licorice Linea, natural finish Glass doors: Framed profile, opaque glazing

Bench: Caesarstone Wild Rocks, 40 mm thick Splashback: Glass Cabinets: Colourtech, New Antique White, colonial square, textured two-pack finish Glass doors: Clear glass

Metaline splashbacks look exactly like glass splashbacks, but the aluminium-based product has a quicker manufacturing turnaround.

“It can also create a clean, elegant line and suits most kitchens,” Kris said.

Pressed tin is a less common choice for a splashback but can be used to give a heritage or rustic look.

It creates a visual statement but requires diligent cleaning. This style of splashback is visually impressive but can be difficult to seal and make water-resistant behind sinks.

Co-ordinating brightly coloured splashbacks with matching kitchen appliances or matching the splashback colour to a lounge suite to tie rooms together is also something that should be considered, especially if you have a combined living and kitchen area.

“A pop of colour on the splashback can make the whole room,” Kris said.

Appliances To hide or feature? That is the question! Exhaust fans, dishwashers, fridges, microwaves and small appliances such as kettles and toasters can be hidden behind cabinetry for clean lines or used as a kitchen feature.

Consider choosing double – or triple – glazed doors on ovens for safety and also to keep in the oven’s heat.

Under-bench ovens make kitchens appear longer because the bench top continues across the working space uninterrupted.

Ovens mounted in a wall tower provide the easiest working height, and allow more cabinet space.

Wall oven towers also allow room for a microwave to be placed in the

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Bench: Laminate Pure Mineralstone, gloss, square waterfall ends Splashback: Gloss Mud tiles, 100 mm x 300 mm with Havana grout Cabinets: Laminate White 200 Underside bench: Laminate Sorrel 023

same area. This option opens up cabinet space underneath cooktops.

Freestanding upright ovens are often used as a statement look in contemporary and traditional-style kitchens. This option contains cooking and baking to the same working space (you can lift something straight from cooktop to oven). This is also the easiest oven to remove if it ever needs replacing.

Lighting Kris said it was wise to avoid lighting which would cast shadows, such as overhead lighting, and consider installing down-lights in the underside of overhead cabinets.

Another popular trend is using LED strip lighting across the top of glass splashbacks to create a soft lighting finish.

Colouring White is currently the most popular kitchen colour, although Kris said contemporary tones such as neutral browns were also popular.

She said classic colourings using contrasting colours, such as black and white, were also still a popular choice in many kitchens.

The strongly coloured kitchens of a few years ago have fallen out of design favour and have been replaced by lighter, more sophisticated palettes.

Using splashes of colour is popular, especially when paired with modern white kitchens.

Kris said current trends in Europe were for grey tones, but it would be hard to tell if the trend continued in Australia.

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reduce your

kitchen’s energy use

A kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, but behind the mouthwatering smells of cooking food can lIE an energy black hole.

As a room which relies on multiple large appliances, the kitchen can be responsible for a large part of your energy bill, but with some planning and clever tricks, you can reduce your kitchen’s energy impact.

Lighting Lighting can be one of the biggest household power costs, but lighting technology innovations could help bring the costs down.

Planet Power Shepparton manager Dinny Adem said changing kitchen lighting to light-emitting diode (LED) globes was one of the easiest ways to make a kitchen more energy-efficient.

Generally, a 10 watt LED downlight is equivalent to a 50 watt traditional halogen light and uses less energy to provide the same light.

“If you can change over your existing globes to LED, you stand to save money,” Dinny said.

While there was a cost involved in changing over the lights – LEDs are a little more expensive – Dinny said the lifespan of the more energyefficient globes was much longer than traditional globes.

Dishwasher Although dishwashers are one of the most energy-hungry appliances, Dinny said programming a timer on the dishwasher for it to come on at night would help reduce its impact.

“If you set it up to come on after 11 pm, you’ll be getting the off-peak rate and using your power more efficiently,” he said.

It can also be more energy-efficient to connect your dishwasher to cold water, depending on the appliance’s internal water heating abilities.

Appliances Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings – anything over four stars is considered efficient.

One of the simplest ways of making appliances – big and small – more Dinny said if wall switches for appliances were in hard-to-reach or inaccessible places, consider using a power board with a separate master switch which would turn all appliances off, instead of leaving them on standby.

To keep appliances at peak efficiency, ensure they are well-maintained, for example defrost freezers, clean dust away from fridges, clean gas burners and stove tops and check fridge seals.

For more energy-efficient cooking, consider using your microwave.

Microwaves are 70 per cent more efficient and cook food in less time than an oven or hotplates.

Fridges and freezers operate at peak efficiency when they’re full, so choose an appropriate size for your household. Ideally, a fridge should be set between 2-5ºC, and freezers between -15 and -18ºC.

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Web: www.jmr.net.au Our HOME

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style ideas ARRANGEMENTS SIMPLY STEMS’ KAREN MCAULIFFE PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE MERCER

simply

beautiful

Flower arrangements can bring the joy of spring blooms into the home.

Simply Stems’ Karen McAuliffe said arrangements did not have to be big or complicated: “Flowers, even in the smallest amount, make people happy.”

Karen said flowers – whether picked and displayed in your own home or given as a gift for a “thank-you” or “just because” – put smiles on people’s faces.

Here are some ideas for simple and sweet arrangements.

Old-fashioned milk bottles, chemist jars and milk jugs make great vases These homely vases can be bought new or recycled. Clear or neutral-toned jars will fit with most types of decor.

Decorate the vase Twine, hessian, lace and ribbon can be tied around the vase for extra interest.

Choose flowers that are long-lasting Australian native flowers, chrysanthemums and ornamental kale can look great in a vase up to three weeks after being picked if the water is

changed and the vase washed at least every second day. The stems can be trimmed and the arrangement kept in a cool place to keep it looking great for longer.

Use foliage to frame flowers Leaves big and small and of different shapes, colours and textures can fill out a vase, frame the flowers and add interest to an arrangement. Leaves including magnolia, camellia and natives such as blue gum and tea tree foliage can be found in many gardens in and around Shepparton.

Above left: Stylish arrangement featuring camellia leaves, Geraldton wax buds and pale ornamental kale.

Above right: Rustic arrangement featuring magnolia leaves, orange berries and chrysanthemums.

Variety is the spice of life Vegetables – such as ornamental kale, which is part of the cabbage family – can create a wow factor in a floral arrangement. Kale is available in the winter, and throughout the season comes in different hues. Buds, rose hips and berries – such as privet berries, which start green and ripen to purple – are also effective.

Above left: Eclectic arrangement featuring green button chrysanthemums, pink chrysanthemums, Canterbury bell and blue gum and tea tree foliage.

Above right: Simple arrangement featuring camellia leaf, white daisy chrysanthemums and Geraldton wax buds.

Make a statement in your home with a glass spashback

Glass splashbacks are the perfect way to showcase your home with infinite colour options and sleek design. With no need for grout, the easy to clean surface can instantly brighten and lighten your rooms to look more spacious and modern, without the hard work.

Call us today for a free measure and quote or come into our great showroom to have a look around.

glass & aluminium 14 »

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previously known as

Rowe St Corio St

Maude St

AV

19 Rowe Street, Shepparton | T 5831 1822

Wyndham

St

High St

Vaughan

St

Glass & Aluminium

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CREATE YOUR OWN INSPIRING LIFESTYLE HOME

Whether it’s a new build project or simply time for a renovation or refurbishment, Realm’s tailored design options mean that you’ll be able to realise a unified vision, and ultimately your home’s full potential.

At Realm, we work hard to turn dreams and aspirations into reality on all projects. With capabilities extending across not just Building Design, but also Landscape Design and Interior Design our full ranges of services gives us the flexibility to cater for individual needs across the board. At Realm we understand that truly successful Building Design is about capturing every element of the creative process, with a focus on producing beautiful and practical solutions that combine to create better everyday living.

We have extensive experience across Victoria and southern New South Wales.

To find out more on how Realm’s tailored options can help you realise your own ultimate dream home contact us today for an appointment.

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CREATING INSPIRING SPACES

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style ideas

COMPILED BY Kerri Thomson

Spring into decorating Seating solution Stools are minimalistic and easily transported from the kitchen to the outdoor entertaining area, and these funky timber Barista kitchen stools with a rattan seat are available in various colours such as green, blue and yellow, from GV Furniture World, Shepparton.

Functional and funky S & P lime salad bowl, red and lime noodle bowls and red salt and pepper shakers, from Sel’s Gifts & Décor, Shepparton.

Bright bits Spice up the kitchen with the Salt & Pepper range in citrus vibes of orange, red, lime and yellow, from Sel’s Gifts & Décor, Shepparton.

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Statement piece A classic chair can be a great showcase piece within a room, and this Australian-made wingback chair covered in 100 per cent Warwick linen with a chic design in beautiful colours on a subtle grey is the perfect performer, from Grove Interiors, Shepparton.

Refresh the boudoir A change in seasons is the right time to splash out on a new quilt cover to effortlessly transform a bedroom, such as this fresh floral design with bright pink piping and euro pillowcases from the Bianca - Anastasia range, from Finny’s, Shepparton.

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Go big, go retro A huge canvas artwork can mimic an expensive original piece of art, and this fabulous canvas of a Braniff Airways travel poster advertising Rio de Janeiro from the 1960s is 1.37m wide x 1.8m high, from Walls & Windows, Shepparton.

Room accent To add vibrancy to any room with solid colour furniture, consider patterned and coloured window furnishings.

These gorgeous chartreuse drapes and pelmet from Maurice Kain Fabrics – Monique collection with a complementary blind, from Dollar Curtains & Blinds, Shepparton.

Light it up Bring soft lighting into a child’s room.

These gorgeous painted lamps in pastel hues diffuse light through wicker shades, from Pinch of Salt, Shepparton.

Designed for kids Splash some colour Combine versatility and flair to create fun furniture. This multi-coloured retro-style sofa with adjustable sides and back is teamed with silk thread cushions in a mosaic pattern, from Walls & Windows, Shepparton.

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Inspire children’s imagination by coordinating their space with adorable fabric designs incorporating window furnishings, doona cover and cushions. Wilson Fabrics and Homewears’ new Kids Print Collection featuring chickens is irresistible, from Bush’s Blinds, Shepparton.

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Spring CLEANING TIPS Spring is the season of rebirth and renewal, and the perfect time to give your home a thorough de-clutter and clean. Here are some tips to help you spring into the big clean.

Getting started • Be organised

Write a list of every room in your home and the cleaning tasks required. Estimate how much time each room will take and decide when to do it – will you clean the whole house in a cleaning blitz or will you tackle a few rooms at a time?

• Be prepared Make sure you have cleaning products on hand, which could include bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and eucalyptus oil, commercial detergents and tools including duster, cloths, broom, vacuum (and bags if needed), a mop and an old toothbrush (to clean grout and other small spots).

• De-clutter Spring cleaning is as much about clearing out unnecessary things as it is about cleaning the winter dust and dirt away.

Take a room-by-room approach and have separate boxes or bags for items to keep,

sell/donate and throw out. Be ruthless and don’t forget the kitchen (including out-of-date food in the pantry), bathroom (including old toiletries and make-up) and laundry.

fixtures by getting on a ladder and using a duster or damp cloth.

Condense and organise the “keep” pile.

For example if you hoard magazines, go through each and tear out the articles you want and recycle the rest.

Clean window fittings – heavy fabric curtains might require professional cleaning, but some lighter curtains can be washed in a trough or on a gentle washing machine cycle. Other window fittings might only need a wipe with a damp cloth.

Act on the other two piles – bin the “throw out” pile and make a plan to sell the other items (and store them neatly in the meantime) or take them to the op shop.

Cleaning surfaces, furnishings, appliances and flooring will be much easier if you do not have to clean around clutter.

Let the cleaning begin

In each room, start from the top and work down – that way if you are removing cobwebs or dusting, material will not fall on an already cleaned floor.

Clear cobwebs and then clean your light

Remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans and airconditioner vents with a cloth or a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment.

Dust, polish, wipe and scrub window ledges, shelves, furniture, appliances and wet areas in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Wash windows.

Wash walls with a clean, damp cloth and a little bit of mild dishwashing detergent if required. Also wash cabinets and other woodwork.

Vacuum and mop. If you have rugs, take them outside and shake them out.

Open the windows and let in the fresh air and sunshine.

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Homes people love to live in

Greg and Jaime hand over keys to happy customers Andrew, Carol and Remi.

Clever design in the kitchen and magnetic paint for the kid’s art.

A welcoming ambience as you walk through the front door.

So much space and storage in the laundry to keep you well organised.

Entertain in beautiful outdoor spaces.

At Diverse Builders, it’s the little things we do that make a big difference.

We understand that you want your home to reflect your life, so you can live it the way you want.

Creating unique and energy-efficient homes, we have a diverse range of plans to suit all of your needs. We also offer a new architectural range for those wanting something with more flair at a minimal cost.

For a home that you will love, visit our website or come into our design centre today.

Phone: (03) 5862 2712

www.diversebuilders.com.au

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Bringing the best of European quality to your home just got more affordable At KitchenWise, we specialise in designing and building functional, yet stylish kitchens with your budget in mind. Practicality now comes with affordable luxury and style.

Do you want to win this fabulous Euro Appliances pack?

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Come in today to find out how!

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Ph: (03) 5831 2077 www.kitchenwise.com.au Homes 20• »New homes

• Renovations • Kitchens • Vanities • Laundries • Entertainment Units • Studies Our • Office Fittings • Commercial HOME SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Classic home WITH A FEW CHANGES

It’s remarkable just how few changes Andrea Thompson has made to her 111-year-old house in Shepparton’s heritage precinct.

That’s because to her, the property is perfect just the way it is.

STORY Estelle Griepink PHOTOGRAPHY BIANCA MIBUS

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The wooden dining room table is about 40 years old. Andrea says sitting at the table gives her a nice feeling because it reminds her of her aunty, who gave the table to her after moving into a smaller home. ‘‘It’s been with me through the years and it just sits really well – it has clean and simple lines.’’

‘‘You could do a lot with this house, but you just don’t need to,’’ Andrea said. ‘‘You look at it and think, ‘Oh you could change this, or do that’ – but it’s so beautiful to live in the way it is and it has a great feng shui.’’

The few adjustments Andrea has made include restoring the verandah to its original state and converting the old stable into a pool house. ‘‘In the 1960s, the old owners enclosed the north side of the verandah to create another bedroom,’’ she said. ‘‘We knocked it out and made it back into a verandah – it’s just lovely because it’s north facing.’’

The house was also given an update with new roofing and a modern heating and cooling system.

those 42 degree days,’’ she said. ‘‘Because of the era it was built in, the builders had to take into consideration they couldn’t rely on electricity and gas.’’

Despite the house’s age, Andrea has steered clear of using antiques to decorate the home’s interior.

With its clean white walls, high ceilings and spacious rooms, Andrea chose a minimalist look. ‘‘It’s my personal taste, but I wasn’t interested in antiques,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re modern people living a modern life with modern furniture.’’

Most of that modern furniture was purchased in Shepparton.

But Andrea said the evaporative cooling was rarely needed.

‘‘The beds are from Snooze, the couches from Plush and the chairs for the dining room were made by a local man,’’ Andrea said.

‘‘This house actually has a lot of sustainable attributes, it’s double brick and trees add shade so it doesn’t really get hot in summer, apart from

For readers wanting to mimic Andrea’s minimalist decor style, she has this advice:

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Opposite page (bottom left to right): Plenty of daylight passes through the house thanks to the spacious hallway. Andrea says the high ceilings, typical of homes of that era, add to the hallway’s bright, airy atmosphere.

The old-fashioned walk-in pantry is one of Andrea’s favourite features. ‘‘It’s so special because it’s so old and says something about the families who have lived here,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s hard to think of changing it because it’s worked so well for so long.’’

The mosaic table that stands in the hallway is one of Andrea’s creations. She made the tabletop and had Tony Rossi from The Wrought Idea in Mitchell St, Shepparton, create the wrought iron base. Andrea has also decorated her house with her own paintings.

Andrea prefers modern home decor but she has made room for one antique – the gold, curved mirror in the hallway. ‘‘The mirror was my greataunt Bertha’s and Dad had her mirror when he died. I was asked if there was anything I wanted of Dad’s and said that mirror,’’ she said. ‘‘I love it because when I look at it I’m so happy because I think of Dad and great-aunt Bertha.’’

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Andrea’s pride and joy is her vegetable garden. She says everything she grows is totally organic. ‘‘We eat and grow what is in season – currently I’m growing broccoli and Geoffrey eats a floret every night, which is just fabulous for him. A floret of broccoli is also a beautiful present instead of flowers – we all share our vegetables with our neighbours who have good gardens too.’’

From Corio St, Andrea’s home is hidden by a towering green hedge. She estimates the hedge is about 100 years old, and is grown from a very old variety of cypress. ‘‘I’ve taken pieces and tried to replicate the exact hedge, but I can’t find it in the nursery,’’ she said. ‘‘I actually think it’s growing on an underground spring, because it’s survived through all the droughts.’’

The previous owners’ stable has been converted into a pool house – the perfect place to keep lounges and other pool equipment. Andrea said she wanted to keep as much of the old stable as possible when converting it because it told a story of who had lived there before.

‘‘Keep it as simple as possible, and have white as your background because with white walls you can do anything. ‘‘I just went with what was here – I filled the cracks and then continued on with more white.’’

Andrea said she loved being in the house with son Geoffrey, 14, labrador Sydney and ragdoll cat Snowbell.

“It’s so pretty and it has a great elegance and

beauty – and there’s plenty of space,” she said.

“Geoffrey always has his friends staying over, and with the pool, spa and tennis court they have some great times.”

Andrea said her favourite thing about her Shepparton home was the relaxed, country feel.

“I like the freedom, the space, and being able to grow my own vegies,” she said.

“It’s really gorgeous.”

v

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Award Winning Designers

Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

building design Alastair McDonald – Ecotecture Design Group director and Building Designers Association of Victoria vice-president

10 points to consider when designing a sustainable building Sustainable design is a hot topic and many people are now making a deliberate choice to incorporate Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) into building projects.

There is a common misconception that sustainable design is expensive, however the following tips will bust that myth by creating a sustainable building without driving up construction costs.

1. Orientation – Room placement is vital. Maximising the north-easterly aspect to all habitable rooms will maximise the solar benefit. Position bathrooms, laundry and garage to the south and west.

2. Window shading – With the building oriented to the north, glazing protection is extremely important. As the sun is at a greater angle in summer, the eaves, verandah or pergola should be designed to block out summer sun but still allow the winter sun to filter light and warmth through the building.

3. Floor insulation – There is no better floor insulation than a concrete slab on ground. In cool climates, this can be further insulated to maximise the performance of the slab, however can be detrimental in warmer environments. If a timber floor is a requisite, bulk insulation should be added to the underside with the sub-floor enclosed.

4. Double glazing – This may be slightly more expensive, but the energy conservation benefits far outweigh the additional cost.

5. Thermal mass – Concrete slab or masonry walls are the easiest form of thermal mass, however it is important these items be inside the house

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SPRING/SUMMER 2013

to avoid exposure to the elements.

6. Cross-flow ventilation – Incorporated in the design, this encourages naturally cooler night air purging.

7. Added insulation – This is an extremely cost-effective way to increase the thermal comfort of a building. We recommend R6.0 insulation to the ceiling and R2.7 to the walls. To maximise insulation performance, always include a cavity in the wall or ceiling space. If the building is cladded, fix a 25 mm batten to the outside face of the wall stud before fixing the cladding to create a thermal break.

8. Size – The bigger the building, the greater the energy consumption in construction and occupation. Is that theatre room or the third bathroom absolutely necessary?

9. Occupant’s habits – The occupant may need to reassess their heating and cooling habits, and use of lights in rooms which are not occupied.

10. Renewable materials – Where possible, try to use natural, renewable or recycled materials to reduce the embedded energy of the building.

These basic principles of sustainable design scratch only the surface.

By following the above advice when designing your new building, you can achieve a low-cost energy-efficient building without driving up the construction cost. v

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Jenny Houlihan These are some of my favourite things . . .

Jenny Houlihan is in her third term as City of Greater Shepparton Mayor and has been a councillor for almost eight years.

The public figure welcomed Our Home into her private world and shared some of her favourite things in her home. Cr Houlihan’s favourite things reveal her passion for northern Victoria’s people and landscape, her family and music.

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“

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Red gum grandfather clock

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Picture of Barham bridge

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My husband Leo bought this opal ring from Shepparton in the ‘70s. I love it because it is so ‘70s. It has a gold setting. I think it was a birthday present if I remember correctly. I thought I had lost it a few years ago. I retraced everywhere I had walked that day through Shepparton. I found it at the bottom of my briefcase; it must have fallen off when I had reached in.

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1970s opal ring

This is a print of a painting of the bridge between the twin towns of Barham and Koondrook. I grew up in Koondrook, and after school we would run down and watch the bridge be lifted to let paddlesteamers continue their voyages on the Murray River. It was always amazing to us.

This clock is made from the red gum from the banks of the Murray River.

My father loved the area and he was a red gum sleeper cutter when he was young. As a tribute to him, I had it made by a master craftsman, Michael Robertson of Barham.

It has German clock mechanism.

“

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I played the piano from when I was five until Year 12. When I shifted to Shepparton I didn’t have a piano, so I purchased one from Harold Price. It is a Wertheim Melbourne piano and it has always been a beautiful instrument. I have hardly had to tune it. I just love it. I don’t get to play it very much anymore.

I visited my sister in Somalia in the early 1980s when she was working in a refugee camp. When we travel, we like to buy one nice thing to remember the trip. During that time there wasn’t much to buy because tourism wasn’t – and still isn’t – a big part of the Somali economy. I feel lucky to have it because two years after (the visit), civil war broke out in Somalia.

“

“ Piano

Somali stone carving

Motto sign

‘Keep calm and carry on’ is my mayor’s motto and a good motto to have generally in life. I have it on display in my office.

Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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my favourite room STORY LAURA GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY BIANCA MIBUS

colour abounds

at patsy’s house Patsy Winter’s Mooroopna home is just as welcoming and eclectic as her store, Just me Patsy.

The dining room where the family eats breakfasts and shares special meals is just one example of the use of bold colour, artworks and candles throughout the home.

“I just love colour,” Patsy said.

She had always wanted a bold red wall and said she had to stress to the paint shop worker the vibrancy she wanted, in order to get the perfect hue.

A painting Patsy calls her “Tuscan Woman” is a feature of the room.

“This artwork called my name,” she said.

“You can just float into it – she’s just so serene, which is a great contrast against the red of the wall.”

Pasty found the original movie poster of the 1941 film Chocolate Soldier in an antique shop. It is one of five old movie posters she has had framed by a women in Tatura.

The poster is mounted above a wooden buffet decorated with candles and a salt lamp.

“I love candles, salt lamps and incense – I love walking in and smelling them and they give the house a warmth.”

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The dining table’s candelabrum was bought to use as a centrepiece for Christmas and Patsy said with tea-light candles, it glowed beautifully.

The tea set, also on the dining table, is a much loved gift.

“My beautiful sister Brenda gave me the tea set, and if I have time I love sitting and enjoying tea, maybe a liquorice tea.”

From the table, Patsy can look out into the backyard and see the family’s three dogs.

The sturdy wooden table is big enough for the growing family to sit around – Patsy and husband Albert became grandparents earlier this year. The pride and love Patsy feels for Albert and children Ashlee, James and Thomas is obvious when she talks about them.

The table has scratches, dents and stains – just as Patsy likes it: “It is well used and well loved. I like things to age naturally.

“This is very much our home – it is very comfortable and everything in it has a story.”

The house was built in 1918 and since the Winters moved into it in the mid 1980s the family has renovated it – including stripping back the original floors – and made it very much their own.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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With over 70 products to choose from you’ll want to take your time • Sand & soil • Mulches • Mushrom mulch • Decorative pebbles • River stones • Rocks • Premium top soil • Soft fall (for kids playgrounds) • Large range of sleepers including new concrete sleepers • Retaining walls • New range of decorative pavers • Gift vouchers available

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» 33

Instant transformation

Instant turf can transform a yard from an uninviting space to a place to entertain and play in a short time.

But selecting the right variety of turf to suit your environment and lifestyle is an important part of the process, according to Echuca Coolabah Turf co-owner Suzie Shearer.

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Suzie said advances in the past decade meant instant turf needed less water to be established and continue to grow.

She said harvesting water-smart turf varieties year-round with a thicker soil base and more established root structure gave their product an instant weed mat and meant it required less water to establish.

Suzie has this advice for those choosing instant turf: Sir Walter: Sir Walter’s soft-leaf buffalo has a broad, soft, luscious leaf. It is Coolabah Turf’s bestselling turf for homes. It is versatile because it will thrive in shade and full sun, whereas all other varieties in the product range need full sun.

Sir Walter is even salt tolerant, making it ideal for wet areas

around pools.

“I love selling it to people because I know it’s going to give a great result,” Suzie said.

It is slow-growing, meaning it does not need to be mown as often.

Sir Walter is mown at a height of between 30 mm and 50 mm, which is higher than other turf varieties.

Kikuyu: Kikuyu is perfect for high traffic areas including public access parks and gardens, playgrounds, caravan parks and nature strips. It is also a great low-budget home lawn option.

Village Green: This winteractive kikuyu turf grass variety grows faster than normal kikuyu, requires less water for establishment and has a faster rate of repair if it gets damaged from general wear and tear. Village Green also suits high traffic areas, including public spaces.

Santa Ana Couch: Santa Ana Couch is suited to sports turf surfaces. It has a very fine leaf and can be mown down as short as 10 mm for sports applications. It needs full sun.

win win win WIN instant turf

Coolabah Turf is offering one lucky Our Home reader the chance to win 50 sq m of premium quality slab cut Sir Walter turf. The prize, valued at $674, includes free delivery to anywhere in the Shepparton region.

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To enter, write in 25 words or less why you would like to win Sir Walter turf and send it with your name, address and a daytime phone number to Our Home Turf Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632 by Friday, September 27.

WIN lawn care books Ten readers also have the chance to win a copy of Loving Your Lawn by Nigel Ruck – the most comprehensive guide to lawn care in Australia, according to Suzie Shearer from Echuca Coolabah Turf.

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The 120-page coffee table book features beautiful photos and advice on selecting, laying and maintaining a lawn. Loving Your Lawn is published

by Green Propeller, RRP $29.95.

To enter, address an envelope to Our Home Lawn Book Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632 by Friday, September 27. Remember to include your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of the envelope.

The instant turf and lawn care book winners will be notified by telephone and their names will be published in The News on Tuesday, October 1.

Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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story LAURA GRIFFIN

retreat to a gorgeous

Rushworth garden Celebrate spring in Rushworth at the garden, guest house and home of landscape architect Louise Costa and Les Pelle.

Their King Billy Retreat will be open on October 5 and 6 for a fourth annual weekend celebration of community and sustainable design.

The garden is on a 16 ha property set aside for bush conservation.

The use of local plant species blends the boundary between garden and the bush. Native plants bring interesting foliage and texture to the garden, as well as the spring blooms of everlasting daisies, wattle and hardenbergia.

Louise said during her seven years at the property, the garden had been developed through drought, built on bed-rock and nurtured with love.

Louise’s talent of making recycling into an art form is another feature of the garden. The whole family will be in awe of the paving, seating, retainer walls, furniture and sculptures that she has built with recycled materials including used paving bricks, broken concrete, star pickets and wire.

The garden shows Louise’s passion for creating hardy landscapes, where people can follow their curiosity and walk anywhere they like.

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“I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be,” Louise said.

“It’s beautiful and it’s tranquil because it’s on the edge of the bush.”

The garden is surrounded by large gum trees.

The couple is developing a ceremonial area in the garden and a wedding will be held there in October.

“The garden is always evolving, so come and see us again or visit for the first time,” Louise said.

Last year more than 300 people took the 3 km shuttle bus ride from Rushworth to King Billy Retreat. Louise said leaving cars in town meant there was no compaction to the garden, and the lack of traffic enhanced the festive atmosphere.

During the weekend, there will be guided tours and stalls selling plants, books, local produce, art and craft.

Lunch and sweet treats featuring local produce will be catered by Ivy Grange Soul Food. v

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SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Louise Costa

King Billy Retreat guesthouse and gardens, open garden party Date: Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 Time: 10 am to 4 pm Getting there: Free shuttle bus runs from High St, Rushworth to King Billy Retreat. The first bus will leave Rushworth at 10 am, and will run to and from the retreat until 4 pm.

There is no roadside parking or vehicle access to the property, so people are asked to catch the bus.

“It’s beautiful and it’s tranquil because it’s on the edge of the bush.” louise costa

Entry: $10 entry at gate with complimentary glass of wine, tea or coffee. Children are welcome at no charge.

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Our HOME

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

SELLING NOW STAGE 1 & 2 This vibrant Northern Estate located off Parkside Drive, Shepparton, offers family friendly and affordable living with blocks priced from $72,500.

Enjoy parklands, waterways and wetlands as well as environmentally sustainable designed homes.

Please refer to our website for detailed maps of this estate.

228 - 232 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Phone

38 Âť

homes

5821 8388

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Our HOME

5862 2611

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

John Rhodes in his low-maintenance garden

STORY LAURA GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE MERCER

No-mow garden IS ALSO EASY ON THE EYE

John Rhodes’ Tallygaroopna garden is low maintenance and high in personality.

John’s desire to do away with mowing the lawn led him to create a garden featuring a collection of cacti and rocks.

The plumber – and explorer, collector and amateur historian – said there were at least 280 cacti of all shapes and sizes in the garden. One of the prickliest is the golden orb cactus, also known as the mother-in-law seat.

Some of the cacti flower in spring and some even bear bright pink fruit.

“Cacti are just fascinating things,” John said.

There is even a cactus he planted in a pot at his parents’ house when he was seven years old.

Cacti rarely need watering, although they are susceptible to frost damage, and John lost some during the floods.

The distinctive garden that he started 10 years ago also features a mining shaft, cart and other material collected from his late father’s open mines at Lightning Ridge in NSW. The bottom half of the mining cart – which now has a stationary display of cacti instead of rock – is original and John used old timber to rebuild its top.

There is a path leading to the old mining shaft top. Dotted throughout the garden is memorabilia from time spent in the bush or outback – such as tin kettles, machinery parts, tools and old boots.

John has travelled across Australia and overseas collecting rocks and fossils. The rocks that do not fit into his glass cabinets fill out the garden beds.

“If you’re going to have a rock garden, you need to have rocks -- and not just any old rocks.”

He was inspired by cacti gardens at Strathmerton, Swan Hill and Bendigo.

John minimises the chance of having weeds come up between the rocks by laying them on a bed of paper and river sand.

A golden orb

Trichocereus

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Agave parrasna SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Notocactus

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Our HOME

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Left: A commercially available vertical garden frame on display at Bunnings Shepparton.

Below: The Florafelt product (pictured) is another do-it-yourself vertical garden system.

Picture supplied by Fytogreen Australia.

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the square

The innovative garden solution has surged in popularity thanks to television show The Block.

Billabong Garden Complex nursery manager Tracy Lamont said given the huge variety of plants that could flourish in vertical gardens and options for size and position of an installation, the only limitation was a gardener’s imagination.

Here are some ideas for creating your own vertical garden.

Frame There is a range of upright garden frames that can be bought at hardware and garden stores and online. Some of the kits have pockets or lattices for the soil and plants. If you are handy, you can build your own frame or shelves or suspend pots from the wall.

Water Because vertical gardens’ pockets or pots tend to be small, they dry out easily. Plants need to be watered regularly by hand or with a watering system. Tracy said a 4 mm drip line would provide reliable moisture.

Soil nutrients Because the plants have limited space for their roots, they need good quality soil – such as a premium potting mix – which has nutrients, fertilisers and waterretaining crystals.

Plant selection

www.coolturf.com.au

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A huge variety of plants can grow well in vertical gardens but people need to consider the garden’s climate and installation position, for example is it in full sunlight or

shade? Here are some ideas, but the possibilities are endless.

Succulents including aloe species, jade trees and cacti are hardy plants and require less water and food than other plants.

Flowering annuals such as begonias, violas, petunias, pansies, marigolds and alyssum can be used to make a wall of colour that can be changed each year.

Herbs such as oregano, basil and thyme can be used to create a fragrant and useful vertical garden. Place it near your kitchen for easy access.

Groundcovers that hang, such as chain of hearts, or bacopa – a dainty soft groundcover – will cascade down a wall and create a beautiful effect.

Small ferns and orchids can be grown in vertical gardens in indoor or outdoor ferneries.

Fruits and vegetables such as lettuce and other salad greens, smaller heirloom and cherry tomatoes, capsicums, chilies, beans, peas and radishes are well suited to vertical gardens. It could be more difficult to grow vegetables that need a lot of soil, such as root vegetables, or heavy vegetables such as pumpkins, which would likely fall.

Melons, grapes and many berries also thrive in vertical gardens.

Tracy said she had come across an upright garden in which strawberries were flourishing because they had shallow root systems and did best when not touching the ground.

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Service, experience and knowledge.

Ford Road Extensive range of natives, exotics, potted Wanganui colour, herbs and seedlings.

Road

BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX

BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX

We have it all!

Numurkah Road

Numurkah Road

Get Into Billabong Garden Complex Now

Ford Road

Wanganui Road with coffee

Finish off your Billabong experience at the Café.

The Goulburn Valley’s Largest Garden Complex

295 Numurkah Road SHEPPARTON • PHONE (03) 5821 8632

The Goulburn Valley’s Largest Garden Complex

295 Numurkah Road SHEPPARTON • PHONE (03) 5821 8632

Saturday: 9am–4pm Sunday: 10am–4pm

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BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX

Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

Numurkah Road

Open 7 Days

Ford Road Wanganui Road

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

The Goulburn Valley’s Largest Garden Complex

295 Numurkah Road SHEPPARTON • PHONE (03) 5821 8632

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www.kevinhicksrealestate.com.au

SELLING NOW STAGE 1 & 2 Affordable living located off Parkside Drive, Shepparton, this Northern estate provides blocks starting from $52,500.

Enjoy parklands and a community hub. This estate is located closely to Wanganui Park Secondary College, sports facilities, supermarket and shops.

Please refer to our website for detailed maps of this estate.

228 - 232 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Phone

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5821 8388

12 Melville Street, Numurkah. Phone

Our HOME

5862 2611

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LIFESTYLE • people • places • produce • recipes and more

xxx

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destinations Do you ever dream of a lazy Sunday afternoon sampling award-winning wines at a cellar door with 360 degree views of fertile farm land?

Maybe picking your own organically grown strawberries with the family, or enjoying a lunch made FROM fresh local produce while overlooking a magnificent olive grove?

Belstack Strawberry Farm

SAMPLE THE REGION’S

many delights

Monichino Wines

Well, no longer do you have to plan a major holiday or an interstate jaunt to find such gastronomic offerings. They are available right here in our own backyard in Greater Shepparton.

Numerous farm gates and kitchen doors of boutique producers are available year-round for you to discover. Meet the passionate people who grow and make gorgeous food and wine, soak up the unique experience each has created and celebrate the attributes of our region.

One of the oldest farm gates in Greater Shepparton is Belstack Strawberry Farm.

On the banks of the Goulburn River, adjoining the River Red Gum National Park, owner Peter Tacey offers visitors the chance to pick their own organically grown strawberries, or taste their way around delicious strawberry treats in the farm’s cafe, including Pete’s famous Strawberry sundaes.

While on delicious fruit, The Chocolate Apple Factory at Shepparton East is a must for those who love the sound of a juicy apple covered in a layer of caramel and rich chocolate.

The fruit is grown on Geoff and Vera Fleming’s orchard and is turned into juices, liqueurs, jams and fruit pastes as well as the famous chocolate apples. Visitors can enjoy tastings of some of the products and learn about how the orchard and factory work.

At a family-owned farm called Bayunga in

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Tatura, there is a seasonal opportunity to pick your own cherries and walnuts. The cherry season is late November until Christmas and walnuts are ready in March and April.

This is a fabulous way to spend a morning or afternoon and reconnect with the growing and gathering of fresh, seasonal produce.

Bayunga Farm opens on weekends during those seasons.

platters and lunches for a memorable day out.

The Olive Grove is a stunning property on Goulburn Valley Hwy at Kialla, and features the Olivehouse Restaurant and Greendale Grove Olive Shop where you can sample and buy the estate-grown cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, table olives and even body products.

Monichino Wines of Katunga has recently been recognised for 50 years of service to the wine industry and enjoys an international following for its locally produced wines.

This farm gate offers a Mediterranean experience through its restaurant menu, vistas from wide verandahs onto the olive plantation and a chance to stock up on products made on the property.

And as for those award-winning wines at a cellar door with 360 degree views of hills and farm land, head to Tallis Wine in Dookie.

Wine growers Richard and Alice Tallis launched their vineyard in 1997 and more recently built a gorgeous hill-top cellar door to enjoy the view of the Dookie region.

In summer the outdoor terrace provides a stunning place to relax, in winter warm yourself beside the open fire. The distinctly Dookie wines grown and handcrafted on the property are coupled with regional produce

Fred and Ruth O’Keefe of Broken River Vineyard at Kialla have also created a welcoming cellar door with a relaxing and rustic aura in which to settle in and taste the range of quality local wines. Fred successfully exports many of his wines to China these days, but they are also available to try and buy here.

You can visit this vineyard and cellar door all year to experience firsthand these quality wines and Italian hospitality, which extends to mouth-watering dishes from the kitchen.

At Longleat in Murchison, a winemaker and cheese maker combine to offer a gourmet experience at their farm gate. The vineyard was established 40 years ago, but current owners Guido and Sandra Vazzoler have made it their own since 2004.

Sample their boutique wines along with exquisite cheeses, all made on the property, to fill a gourmet basket.

NOTE: Opening times vary at these farm gates. They all have websites so please check business hours to avoid disappointment.

– Tourism Greater Shepparton president Cheryl Hammer

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The Chocolate Apple Factory

Broken River Vineyard

Olivehouse Restaurant

Tallis Wine

Attractions showcased Residents and visitors will be spoilt for choice in October when more than 60 events and attractions are showcased as part of the fifth annual Greater Shepparton Tourism Month.

The impressive calendar of events is collated by Tourism Greater Shepparton to promote local tourism offerings to residents and visitors to the area. The month-long event has been an important and successful tool in highlighting the diversity and quality of what Greater Shepparton has to offer.

Tourism Greater Shepparton president Cheryl Hammer said Tourism Month had created an awareness, especially among locals, of what tourism operators offered and the importance of the tourism industry to the local economy.

“Tourism Month is aimed at encouraging activity and discovery at local attractions,

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Longleat

Picturesque vineyard on your doorstep businesses and events with the view of having locals return time and time again with their visiting family and friends.

“It is just not true that there is ‘nothing to do in this area’, so our job continues to be about educating what we have to offer as well as advocate the importance of the tourism industry,” Cheryl said.

Some 20 000 calendar-ofevents booklets are being distributed directly to letter boxes throughout the area, or you can download the list of events from www. discovershepparton.com.au Copies are also available at the Shepparton Visitor Information Centre.

Come and let us show you our new release reds and enjoy an antipasto platter with your friends on the deck overlooking the vineyard.

This picturesque vineyard is owned and operated by Guido and Sandra Vazzoler.

All wine is handmade on site by Guido and is available to sample and purchase at the cellar door. Our cheese is handmade by Sandra, a qualified cheesmaker.

Come and taste the wine with the winemaker and the cheese with the cheesemaker – a truly unique experience.

A special offer for Our Home readers: Buy any dozen bottles of wine and receive two extra bottles free.

Open Sat and Sun 10am - 5pm Lunch bookings are required 105 Old Weir Road, Murchison Ph: 5826 2294 www.murchisonwines.com.au

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story Alexandra Bolkas PHOTOGRAPHY SIMON BINGHAM

sharing her

love of food

Janie Christophersen has seen a big change in the eating habits of Dookie Primary School students since becoming the school’s kitchen specialist six months ago.

Originally from Paton Hill near Kinglake, she discovered her passion for food after living in a Melbourne share-house filled with people from all over the world.

She moved to Dookie 14 years ago and now owns and runs famed cafe and antique shop Dookie Emporium, while also running the school’s kitchen, built as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.

The school received a $62 500 Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program grant in 2008 and the fully equipped kitchen and vegetable garden was in action a year later.

The garden produces a variety of fresh and seasonal produce including pumpkins, broccoli, zucchini, purple carrots, peas and Dookie Show award-winning silverbeet plus a variety of herbs.

The students harvest the produce on Tuesday with kitchen classes taking place on Friday, where under Janie’s guidance they cook a range of sweet and savoury dishes. ‘‘I’ve noticed the kids are more daring to try new things,’’ she said. ‘‘Initially there were kids that said, ‘I don’t eat anything but Vegemite sandwiches’.’’

‘‘You can’t keep them out of the kitchen.’’

Janie said she’d never had professional cooking classes but learned everything she knew from experimenting with recipes and by having a foodie family. ‘‘I’ve also got lots of friends who are chefs,’’ she said.

She said the Moroccan lamb soup included the garden’s fresh celery and herbs, while the muffins incorporated the purple carrots. ‘‘They looked about ready to pick,’’ she said.

Dookie Primary School principal Michael Ramsey said the aim of the garden was for the children to see where their food came from. ‘‘The kids are fully involved in the garden, they propagate the plants, fertilise, water ... their knowledge of plant names is amazing,’’ Michael said.

He said the weekly harvest meant students gained a deep connection with their food, and meals were often prepared around lesson plans. ‘‘Last term the kids studied Possum Magic so they cooked food in a Possum Magic theme,’’ Michael said.

He said some students were also studying Australian history, so a bush tucker menu could be planned for the future.

She said students were encouraged to try everything they made.

Janie said the students were involved in all elements of the kitchen including cleaning, which promoted teamwork skills.

‘‘It’s about getting kids to experience new textures ... it’s unbelievable the change I’ve seen in the kids,’’ she said.

For more information about the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation head to www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au

Roast Pumpkin, Feta and Walnut Salad Serves 4 – 1x 500 g pumpkin, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes

– 2 thyme sprigs

– 150 g walnuts (fresh is best)

– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

– 2 cups baby spinach

– 150 g feta

– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

– sea salt and pepper (to taste)

– 3 tbsp walnut oil

Heat oven to 180˚C. Place pumpkin in roasting pan and toss with oil, thyme, salt and pepper. Bake until softened and golden in colour.

On low heat, roast walnuts (be careful, they cook quickly) for about 10 minutes.

Then remove from heat and chop coarsely into large pieces.

After washing and drying baby spinach, toss in walnut oil, red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Place baby spinach on serving platter and add pumpkin, walnuts and feta (crumble into large chunks over the top of salad).

This salad is lovely served slightly warm or chilled.

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Moroccan Lamb Soup Serves 8-10 – 1 tbsp olive oil

– 2 tsp cumin

– 2 (900 g) large lamb shanks

– 2 tsp ground coriander

or leftover roasted leg of lamb (cooked and cubed)

– 2 tsp ground ginger – 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1 medium brown onion, chopped

– 1 tsp fennel seeds

– 2 garlic cloves, crushed

– 1 litre beef stock

– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped – 2 celery stalks

– 410 g can of three-bean mix or other beans, or ½ cup barley (pre-cooked)

–1 potato, peeled and chopped

– 1 sprig parsley

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add lamb, cook shanks (about eight minutes) or heat already cooked lamb (four minutes). Set aside.

Add onion, carrot, celery and potato to pan. Cook for seven minutes or until onion is soft. Add all spices, cook for one minute. Return meat to pan, add stock and stir briefly. Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer.

Add cooked barley after 30 minutes. Cook on low for minimum of one hour. The longer you are able to simmer the better (an ideal slow cooker meal).

Add parsley before serving.

Fantastic when served with a loaf of fresh, warm, crunchy bread.

Purple and Orange Carrot and Cardamon Muffins Serves 12 – 1 cup finely grated purple and orange carrot – 2 ½ cups SR flour – 180 g butter, melted and cooled – ½ cup caster sugar – 1½ cups milk – 2 eggs, lightly beaten – 1 tsp vanilla essence – 1 tsp ground cardamon

Mini Vanilla Apple Pies with Rose Cream Serves 6 – 4 green apples, peeled and cored and cut into 2 cm cubes – 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest – 2 tbsp lemon juice – 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped – 1/2 cup caster sugar – 1/2 tsp mixed spice – 50 g sultanas – 4 sheets filo pastry

– icing sugar for dusting – rose petals for dressing (must be edible) Rose Cream: – 250 ml cream – 1/2 tbsp caster sugar – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 2 tsp rosewater – 2 drops of natural rose food colour

– 50 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled Preheat oven to 200˚C and grease six of a 12-hole muffin pan.

Melt the butter and put aside to cool.

Place apple, lemon zest and juice, vanilla pod and seeds, sugar, spices, sultanas and 2 tbsp water in pan over low heat. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apple is just softened. Put aside to cool.

Place filo sheets on top of each other (or as they come in the packet) and slice into six 15 cm squares. Cover with a damp tea towel.

Brush squares (four squares per muffin hole) with melted butter, place in a greased muffin hole – position each layer at an angle to fill the entire hole, leaving pastry hanging over the edges. Divide the filling among all the

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Preheat oven to 180˚C and grease two 12-hole muffin pans and line with large baking paper squares.

Sift SR flour, add caster sugar and cardamon and mix well.

Add all other ingredients and mix very gently until just combined.

Pour into muffin pans and place in oven. Bake for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy muffins on their own as a lovely snack or with a dollop of cream for dessert.

Note: This recipe is also lovely using three fresh pears instead of carrots.

pie cases in the trays and gently fold in the edges of each to close in the centre (they look like little packages).

Brush tops lightly with butter and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden – check and turn trays in oven to ensure even colour.

While apple pies are baking, make the rose cream. Beat cream, caster sugar, vanilla, colour and rosewater in a bowl until lightly peaky.

Remove apple pies from oven, brush with any remaining butter, scatter with dried rose petals or violets.

Transfer onto serving plates, dust with icing sugar and serve with a little rose cream.

Delicious and very pretty.

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Enjoy life at the Parklake Café-Bar-Restaurant Having a reputation for delicious food and excellent service makes the Parklake a popular dining destination. Enjoy a modern Australian menu seven days a week for breakfast, lunch or dinner and everything in between. The perfect place to catch up with friends for a latte after lunch, or to enjoy a cocktail before the sun goes down. The Parklake Café-Bar Restaurant is open from 7 am until late (closed Sunday nights).

Function & Wedding Venue Bring your function to life at the Parklake. With 5 stylish function rooms catering for small or large groups seating up to 250 people, superior customer service and a delicious range of menus to choose from, you can be confident that every last detail will be taken care of.

The team of highly skilled staff pride themselves on meeting your individual requests and budget. Being centrally located with stunning views of Lake Victoria and surrounding parklands, the Parklake is the perfect venue for your next occasion.

Accommodation The Parklake offers over 80 accommodation rooms, ranging from deluxe corporate rooms, superior rooms, family retreats, spa suites & grand apartments. All rooms are equipped with a pillow top King/ Queen size bed, free high speed Wi-Fi, 42” LED TV with Foxtel & in room dining. Relax in the property’s two swimming pools (including indoor heated), spa or sauna during your next stay.

481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Ph: (03) 5821 5822 www.parklake.com.au

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Home Loans Whether you are buying or building, we can help you own your dream home.

BUYING A NEW HOME

REFINANCING

INVESTMENT HOUSING

FIRST HOME OWNERS GRANT

BUILDING

Goulburn Murray Credit Union

customer owned banking

Get more information at gmcu.com.au or at your local branch today Shepparton Dallas Moore 91 Fryers Street 5821 9033

Echuca Mike Mangiameli 2/130 Hare Street 5482 5333

Kilmore Bronwyn Fyfe 85a Sydney Street 5781 1221

Mooroopna Sharna Papoulis 112c McLennan Street 5825 1999

Seymour Dave Drummond 72 Station Street 5792 1075

Benalla Jenni Cogger 32 Bridge Street 5762 3380

Euroa John Gilbert 36 Binney Street 5795 1771

Kyabram Jenni Dunne 145 Allan Street 5852 2211

Numurkah Lisa Edwards 102 Melville Street 5862 2894

Violet Town 5798 1761 Agency - Alexandra

Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-operative Limited ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL/ Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. Terms and Conditions available on request. Fees and Charges may apply. Normal lending criteria apply.

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