Open treat will delight Magpie danger zones on site garden lovers Neil Walker neil@mpnews.com.au
FIVE private gardens in Mt Eliza and Frankston South will be open to the public 7-8 November. The 5 Gardeners’ Gardens is an initiative of the Anglican Parish of Mt Eliza which is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic “little white church” on the corner of Koetong Pd and Nepean Hwy, Mt Eliza. The parish held the event in 2009, 2011 and 2013 and, according to coordinator Lyn Whelan, it was a great success. “What better way to spend a spring weekend on the Mornington Peninsula than by rambling around Mt Eliza visiting five delightful private gardens,” she said. “Take time out to smell the roses, enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea with family and friends, select a special Christmas gift, listen to the frogs or just be inspired by the ideas and creativity of these special gardeners’ gardens. “Varying in size, plantings and design, these are not “designer” gardens but are loved and developed by passionate gardeners who will be there to share their special tips and techniques with garden visitors.” Tickets lasting all weekend can be bought at any garden gate. Visitors will receive a hand-out detailing the development and plantings in each garden. The gardens are open 10am-4pm, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. Tickets are $25 all gardens/$6 single
garden with children free. No dogs are allowed. Inquiries: Call 9775 3301 or visit mteliza.melbourneanglican.org.au The gardens are: 94 Old Mornington Rd, Mt Eliza (Melway 101 G10) – Bibury is named after an English village. It was developed from an original Mt Eliza land sub-division, and showcases mature trees, cottage-style plantings and potted treasures. 5 Amesbury Rd, Mt Eliza (Melway 101 J11) – This large, established and varied garden has nurtured an extended family for 23 years. Its recent focus is on sustainability in a productive vegetable plot and drytolerant plants. 4 Bellbrook Ct, Frankston South (Melway 102 C10) – Hidden joys in this diverse garden include a fern gully with frog pond, ornamental and cottage-style plantings, bush walk and dry creek bed plus fruit trees and veggies. 134 Wooralla Drive, Mt Eliza (Melway 105 G7) – The owner of this lush garden was recently awarded a special award by the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria. It reflects her love and passion for gardening. (Note: Replaces 7 St Ives Av). 4 Seahaze Ct, Mt Eliza (Melway 105 E7) – This eclectic garden with its “curtain” of Boston ivy, vibrant bird life, linked paths and interesting artefacts invites the visitor to explore.
SPRING has sprung and so have magpies who swoop cyclists, joggers and walkers at this time of year in the mistaken belief people pose a danger to their newly born nesting offspring. Most magpie attacks are harmless apart from the shock some may feel when being swooped by the overly protective birds but some attacks cause serious injuries, especially to young children who are a vulnerable target of magpies’ ire. Those seeking to avoid any confrontation with magpies can now consult a website called Magpie Alert to see whether there have been any avian attacks in their neighbourhood. Sydney-based web designer Jon Clark says he had the idea to develop the site after he was swooped by an aggressive magpie while cycling in his hometown suburb of Bella Vista. “I got swooped while I was out on my bike and I had a look for information online and there were little bits here and there and a few little maps but nothing near where I lived,” he said. “Being a web developer by trade I just thought I would do something for everyone. It’s been going gangbusters, it really has.” People can log magpie attacks and send the information to the Magpie Alert site. In this way attack ‘hot spots’ are identified if repeat attacks are logged by several victims. Mr Clark said about 150 attacks per day are logged with Magpie Alert at this time of year and he reads every
Swopping magpie: A common sight during spring as the birds patrol territory to protect their young.
single one to ensure they’re the real deal before the information is posted online. Any bad language about magpies at such an emotive time for the attacked is moderated by Mr Clark before comments are uploaded making the site family-friendly. The Magpie Alert shows there have been magpie attacks that caused injury in Mornington, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Somerville and Crib Point this year. There have also been attacks along the Peninsula Link trail in Frankston. Mr Clark said statistics collated by his site showed there have been 600 injuries nationwide this spring, accounting for about 14 per cent of overall attacks. “Anything with wheels seems to be more of a target – cyclists, young kids
on scooters or small bicycles – the magpie just seems to attack.” The web guru has put together the Magpie Alert site in his own spare time and a recent redesign has seen online traffic soar with the use of Google Maps to illustrate where attacks occur and the ability to log in to the site using Facebook and Twitter to spread messages about attack sites. Mr Clark said he may design an app for smartphones and the Apple Watch in future but “it depends how much time I get”. See magpiealert.com to view magpie attack details. The site is free to view and use. Those who find the site useful can buy the designer “a beer or two” via a voluntary donation section on the site.
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mornington News 6 October 2015
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