north east regional extra | October 27 - November 2, 2021
nemedia.com.au
1.
October 27 - November 2, 2021
By BELINDA HARRISON
DOWN a well-kept, dirt road in Molyullah past paddocks with flocks of sheep and herds of grazing cows, a long line of gum trees guide you to a hidden gem; the one acre of colourful, lovingly created and maintained Birchwood Near Benalla garden that belongs to Gary and Julie Campbell. Beginning as a subdivision of Julie’s parents’ farm in 1985, the house, lawns and gardens provide picture perfect views of surrounding farming properties and the Lurg hills. During the 1990s, Gary and Julie held occasional open gardens but after retiring in 2012, they made the decision to intensify their efforts to improve the garden and were subsequently able to hold at least one open garden every year between 2013 and 2018. As the couple’s knowledge of how and where to plant their beloved salvias or tulips, magnolias or irises increased, so did the size of the garden, word spread and visitors came. “We have a number of garden beds which hold different plants and shrubs, including vegetables and natives and there’s a dry zone and microclimate area too,” Julie said. “We have oriental poppies, wisteria, iris and about 200 different types of salvias with multiple plantings achieving lovely swathes of colour across the garden beds. “We have worked hard to plant our flowers and shrubs in complementary areas and we’re still learning what works best where.” Gary said they spend every spare moment they can out in the garden pottering about, weeding, dividing and replanting and generally checking the overall health of their plants. “We do all the gardening ourselves but for construction or improvements to retaining walls, edging, path surfaces or installation of fountains, archways or gazebos, we call in local landscaper Wally Pastusca to help us out,” he said.
Ŷ
Opening the garden gate for charity
◆ WELCOME BACK: Julie and Gary Campbell will hold their annual open garden this weekend after a three year hiatus. PHOTO: Belinda Harrison
Continued page 8
YOUR GARDEN
ANIMAL CARE
WINE TALK
YOUR HEALTH
GONE FISHING
with HELEN
with MITTENS
with ANITA
with SOPHIE & BELINDA
with ROB
Looking for a great rate home loan with all the perks? Our Flexible Choice Home Loan is full of features, including a 2-year discounted interest rate, fee waivers and a 100% offset account.
1.99% Interest rate
24 3.84%
Month Introductory Offer*
Comparison rate#
Visit www.wawcu.com.au/Flexible-Choice or call 1300 658 555 to make the switch.
* Terms & Conditions apply. Standard lending criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. WAW may vary or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. #WARNING: The comparison rate is only true for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate. The comparison rate is based on a secured owner occupied principal and interest loan of $150,000 over 25 years. AFSL & Australian Credit License: 247298. ABN: 48 087 651 787.