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Katandra Gardens
In 1976, Bob and Dot O’Neill purchased a working orchard in Wandin, Victoria, which would later become the beautiful Katandra Gardens – a display garden on just over 3 hectares (8 acres).
Katandra is an aboriginal word meaning ‘Song of the Birds’ and it does live up to its name, with over 75 species of birds recorded in the Gardens.
It’s a spectacular display garden of mainly Australian native plants, with meandering paths around a picturesque ornamental lake.
The pair developed an interest in native plants over the years, which saw them eventually remove most of the fruit trees.
The Gardens is also the home of the Ornamental Plant Conservation Association of Australia Inc. (OPCAA) collection of Australian correas – conserved for prosperity.
Dot and Bob are obviously keen on sustainable gardening. For example, Dot explains that they don’t water the plants, except when they are first planted until they are established.
‘Birds play a big part in pest control,’ Dot says. ‘We don’t need to control for pests – except rabbits – the New Holland honeyeaters, wattlebirds, wrens and thrushes do the job for us. We’re not very keen on non-native birds taking up residence.’
‘We only fertilise plants if they look like they need it. The soil is rich and we mulch heavily.’
The O’Neills still grow fruit trees, but not just cherries and plums, which the region is renowned for. They also grow grafted avocadoes, macadamias, persimmon, and nashi fruit. And they have an excellent peony and bulb collection.
In 2005, Bob O’Neill won the prestigious Ornamental Gardener of the Year from ABC Gardening Australia, which is a great tribute to the many years of hard work that has gone into this beautiful display garden. Bob is pictured here with his unusual award – a garden trowel. He was also presented with a golden spade, which acted as a plaque, emblazoned with the award details!
Katandra Gardens is also well known for its 4 1/2 star Bed and Breakfast accommodation. The Gardens is at 49 Hunter Road, Wandin, Victoria.
For further information, visit the Katandra Gardens’ website: www.katandragardens.com.au.
For further information on OPCA, visit the website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au/opcaa/home