By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE stunning Waterhouse family garden will once again open to the public later this month, this time for the benefit of the Southeastern Private Hospital oncology unit.
Meryl and Keith Waterhouse planted their garden in 1995 with a mix of native and introduced plant species.
“Our son, Brad, is a landscape gardener and it was his idea to have a native garden,” she said.
“We compromised and the front is native but not the back.”
It was Brad who was treated by the hospital as he battled cancer earlier this year, leading Keith and Meryl to raise money for the oncology unit.
The back of the Waterhouse garden features 200 rose plants as well as perennials, woodland plantation natives, clematis and salvia flowers.
It also boasts beautiful sugar gum trees, planted by Keith’s grandparents in 1936. While the Waterhouses live on a 20-acre property, the gardens span about one acre and is the cultivation of 20 years of dedication.
Meryl said that guests were welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, or may purchase Devonshire teas and a light lunch, with funds being donated to the hospital.
The open garden fund-raiser will be held on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November from 9am to 4pm.
Entry costs $5 per person and the garden is at 315 Pakenham Road, Pakenham.
