This garden was started 15 years ago. Henry and Elsie acquired an old house on a double block, demolished part of the house and all of the garden and started from scratch. The garden was designed by Elsie, and created by Elsie and Henry, over the ensuing 5 years.
Being an artist, inspiration for Elsie is always colour, texture and design. The garden is suited to the architecture and design of the house. The layout of the garden contains many rooms which divide the garden and provide lots of lovely spaces to sit and enjoy life and entertain friends and family.
'Zephranthe' is a semi-formal garden with many hedges and large beds of perennials. Additionally, many sculptures and artwork are used to enhance the overall design, Elsie used recycled materials to create steps and archways and dividers, as recycling and re-using is another of her passions.
Parkes experiences extremes of hot and cold weather, so roses, salvias, rosemary, euphorbias, and perennials have been chosen to suit this climate. The trees selected include Crab Apples, Irish Strawberry, Gleditsia, and a selection of Ornamental Pears.
Salvias, roses, rosemaries and honeysuckle attract many birds, and an assortment of bees and insects. Several birdbaths provide a welcoming haven.
The produce from the vegetable patch and citrus trees is shared with family, friends and neighbours. The pantry is topped up each season with tomato relish, beetroot relish, pickled cucumbers, lemon butter, marmalade, and refreshing drinks.
