Garden paradise opens

By Paul Dunlop
GARDEN lovers are in for a true spring treat when Dot and Jim Evans throw open their Upper Beaconsfield property Clematis Cottage.
The transition from paddocks to garden paradise has been the product of two decades work by the greenthumbed pair.
Dot describes her and Jim as enthusiastic amateurs when it comes to gardening.
“Actually, he does the real work and I just do the design, lawns and some of the weeding,” she said.
“We’ve made many mistakes but we now also reap the benefit of a few really good decisions made back in those early years.”
At Clematis Cottage, a thousand roses bloom with countless perennials and a diverse and large collection of clematis in this joyously romantic cottage garden.
Long pergolas are swathed in roses and clematis and they provide a division for each of the many colour themed areas.
There is also a romantic shady woodland and a spectacular iris lined walk which leads to the lake.
In early November, the lake is picture perfect surrounded by day lilies and iris and with waterlilies in full bloom.
“A feature of this property is the formal rose garden located between the keyhole garden and the citrus bed here at the rear of the house,” Dot said.
“A passion for David Austen roses led me into an appreciation of the lovely old roses available and many of them have found a place. Most of the roses in it are strongly perfumed.”
Clematis Garden, at 167 Stoney Creek Road, will be open from 10am to 4.30pm on 4, 5 and 7 November at an entry fee of $5. Children are admitted free.
Proceeds will support Upper Beaconsfield CFA.