SANDRA MORELLO
MOUNT Gambier artist and self-confessed green thumb Jane van Eeten will throw open her garden this weekend to raise money for charity.
The opening of her Agnes Street garden is part of Open Gardens South Australia.
Gripped by a perennial passion for gardening, Ms Van Eeten has created a suburban garden paradise reflecting gardens from across the globe.
Stepping through the front garden, it becomes clear this is home to a person who has a deep-rooted fascination of plants.
What makes the garden different is it is just four years old, semi-formal and blanketed by mass plantings of older variety plants such as salvias, agastaches, verbena and euphorbia.
Species of geraniums, hydrangea, callas and roses also provide a kaleidoscope of colour and a rich tapestry.
A talented painter, Ms Van Eeten will also have her studio – which contains work in progress – open to the public.
“I moved into town four years ago, bought the home and gutted the garden,” said Ms Van Eeten, who has lived in England, Sri Lanka, Africa and Germany.
“The garden is brand new and when I moved in I built a studio – the back garden is designed for an eye from the studio.”
A keen gardener all her life, Ms Van Eeten has studied botany and taken influences from countries across the globe.
“I am really interested in rare and unusual plants,” she said.
“I just love having my hands in soil and I love the possibilities – there is always hope in gardens because you wonder what that will do and will it work.
“Gardening is incredibly relaxing for me – I could work in the garden all day.”
Another interesting aspect of her garden is the sculptures crafted by Mount Gambier artist Ivo Tadic.
Particularly impressive is a newly constructed gate, designed and made by Mr Tadic, which will feature in the rear garden.
Proceeds will flow to the Sunset Community Kitchen and the garden will be open from 10am to 4.30pm tomorrow and Sunday.
The property is located at 36 Agnes Street in Mount Gambier.
A number of other open gardens are also being held in the region on the weekend, including the Watson Garden on Bertha Street in Mount Gambier.
The property – which contains a beautiful early 1900s home – boasts a delightful cottage garden with an exquisite array of trees, ferns, flowers and herbs.
The “Watson Garden” will inspire with its small spaces providing ideas for people on how they can pack colour and diversity into their own gardens.
Proceeds will go to the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation and the property at 19 Bertha Street is also open from 10am to 4.30pm tomorrow and Sunday.
Entry to both gardens is $8 and under people under 18 will be admitted free.
Concession is also available.
Visit opengardensa.org.au for information.
