Local Residents apply 'Personality' to overcome the challenging aspects of Their garden

The first in a series of 'getting to know our gardening neighbours'.. 


"A white dove cove and ornaments collected around
  the world give Bob and Ann Gaston’s garden in
  Lomond Circuit a distinctive personality."*

The Gastons built one of the first houses in Mawson Lakes, but they only moved in two years ago to downsize for retirement. Now they are working hard to complete their garden renovations in time for the 2010 Mawson Lakes Garden Competition in Spring.

“We want a low maintenance garden that is attractive but we have some difficult aspects to work with so we’re using trial and error to maximize a small space,” said Bob who is a retired building designer.

The long, narrow west wall is exposed to hot sun and strong winds so the Gastons have used paving, pebbles, garden furniture, pots, low plants, and standard roses.  

By contrast, the front south-facing garden is shady. Here they have gone for artificial grass, durantas, conifers, and a big urn that Bob is converting into a water feature.  Splashes of colour in pots add seasonal interest around the garden.

You’ll often see Bob in the garden doing the landscaping while Ann positions the plants and ornaments. “Working in the garden is a great way to meet people who stop and talk to use and our little black dog,” they say. 


*Article & photograph kindly submitted by Linda Vining, organiser of the 2010 Mawson Lakes Garden Competition, for inclusion on the Mawson Lakes Community Website.  
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