Vicki and Bruce's Garden Day: Mitchell outback Qld

Vicki and Bruce Jones were the hosts of yesterday's garden day -- an event held on the last Thursday of every month. Vicki and Bruce's cattle property is located about half an hour's drive south-west of Mitchell.

It was only five years ago that Vicki and Bruce created their garden, yet since that time they've suffered the effects of drought and a dust storm In addition, their entire garden was flooded when a nearby creek overflowed. Fortunately their home is elevated.

Green lawns, roses, hippeastrums, iris, petunias, geraniums and many other flowering plants and shrubs make up the garden, and most are in full bloom. Consequently, the garden is filled with colour and interest.

The day was hot (over 3o°C) so the shade beneath the house made a perfect place for morning tea and conversation.

Thank you Vicky and Bruce for your warm hospitality, and also for sharing your beautiful garden with us.

Twin Garden Day at 'Iwona': outback Qld

Spring wrapped its generous arms around the gardens surrounding Elizabeth Gearey's and Jenny and Roly Walker's homes on this the first Sunday of October.

Located about one hour's drive north of Mitchell, Iwona (a cattle property) comprises attractive grasslands where native trees and shrubs are plentiful.

Green lawns, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, colourful flower beds, and white cedars and bright red callistemons in full bloom surround both homes. This creates a softness in contrast to the semi-arid nature of the adjoining land.

Unusual rocks -- found on the property -- form sculptural pieces within the garden.

These monthly garden days held in Mitchell and surrounds, offer generous hospitality to people who share a love of plants and gardens.

Thank you Elizabeth, Jenny and Roly for your warm welcome, delicious gluten-free morning tea and hospitality. We had a wonderful day!

Garden Day at The Peaks: Outback Queensland

Marion Moore's garden -- located on the eastern side of The Peaks, north of Mitchell -- is spacious, a riot of colour and has magnificent views across naturally rolling grasslands.

An elderly blue flyer kangaroo (female red kangaroo) called Roo grazes within the garden and is as bonded to Marion as a dog. Wire netting protects some plants, but by and large Marion tolerates Roo nibbling hibiscus, rose and other delicacies.

West Australian eucalypts are a feature of the garden with some in full flower at present -- especially Eucalyptus woodwardii (yellow flowers) and Eucalyptus youngiana (red flowers). Bottle trees, Chinchilla gums, eremophilas, geraniums and an amazing variety of other plants and trees grow in Marion's garden -- also vegetables, passionfruit and lemons.

Here is a place where plants, kangaroos, echidnas, birds, butterflies, lizards and frogs are welcome, and live in harmony. With a balmy temperature of around 27°C and a gentle breeze, wandering with friends around the garden, through patches of dappled shade and pools of sunshine was a delightful way to spend the morning.

Marion Moore is the perfect hostess.