These pages: The garden is divided by trellises; a bird bath attracts local wildlife.
106 Australian Country HOMES
springtime display includes more than 100 varieties of peonies — Chinese, Japanese, European and American tree peonies in every shade from white and yellow through to pinks, reds, purples and almost black. They are flanked by flowering fruit trees, a wisteria-draped bird house, poppies, roses, sweet peas, tulips, daffodils and a host of other plants competing for attention. “We planted lavender and daisies purely to attract bees,” Dominic explains. “The worldwide bee population is in crisis thanks to overuse of chemicals and monocultures so we try to do our bit to help that situation. If you don’t have bees you don’t have pollination and that would be a disaster for food production, not to mention flower growers and sellers.” He acknowledges lots of generous people who have shared their knowledge to get the garden to its present stage and adds that he couldn’t do it without Chris’s help with lawn mowing and hedge trimming. “I’ve learned a lot from gardeners from all over the world,” he says. “I’m constantly gleaning from magazines and TV shows, and fellow gardeners are amazing when it comes to providing tips and advice.” Now the wheel has turned full circle and Dominic says there aren’t many people he can’t help with advice on how to grow peonies. “It’s a bit like a baby — you just need to work out what it needs,” he says. “But also like a baby, a great garden needs pretty much constant attention.” However, he and Chris do allow themselves an annual break, which will often find them travelling the world visiting other people’s gardens. “I love to go to England and Europe and see what’s possible there,” Dominic says. “I defy anyone to visit a garden such as Sissinghurst in Kent or Beth Chatto in Essex and not come home inspired to try something new. It gives me the motivation to keep striving for that elusive something special.” ACH
