Greek-established Mediterranean Garden Society group tours garden in WA

·

The Mediterranean Garden Society (MGS) in Western Australia (WA) invited The Greek Herald to a private viewing of the Rivergum Garden in Balingup, the southwest of WA.

Australian gardener, Di Whincop, invited the MGS for a private tour of her Rivergum Garden before the opening of the Festival of Country Gardens 2023. The garden is situated in WA’s south, where there is a Mediterranean climate like Greece.

The MGS society organises garden tours globally to exchange information about waterwise practices and gardening principles in Mediterranean climates. The organisation’s philosophy is to cultivate gardens by using Mediterranean and native plants and trees suited to the climate of place. This principle protects water sources and invites us to foster our gardens in harmony with the seasons.

The drive through Balingup is a combination of Australian countryside with the spirit of rural Greece. Its green pastures and valleys among the drier hills covered in native and Mediterranean trees, brings a nostalgia for the motherland.

Margot pointing out Mediterranean plants. All photos: Anjelica Smilovitis.
Di Whincop (middle) sharing her tips about gardening with hardy plants.

Cultivating a hardy, colourful garden over 13 years, Di has completely transformed a once-barren land to a park-like forest using waterwise practices the MGS promotes. The garden also nurtures a habitat for Monarch Butterflies.

Di bought the land when it was mainly sand and shrubs with an old property that needed major renovations. The now tranquil and artistically designed garden over 4.5 acres has three large areas that integrate. Each section holds a unique vision, artist expression and style. 

Let’s take you on a tour.

Cottage garden with natives and Mediterranean plants

The cottage garden surrounding the house blossoms with waterwise natives, hardy exotics, and Mediterranean plants.

Plants in the garden.
Plants in the garden.

Water features as seen in Mediterranean Garden Design

A permanent creek with four ponds underneath large, forest trees, runs through the centre of the garden as water features, a staple in Mediterranean garden design.

Alongside the creek is a beautifully kept lawn under shady trees, creating an open space to embrace all that is unfolding around you.

Mediterranean Garden Design
Mediterranean Garden Design

The zig-zag trail among the Cork Tree Forest

The sanctuary has a zig-zag uphill trail along a mossy path leading to a Cork Tree Forest. Looking closely at the cork trees, they are woven with delicate designs and details unlike other trees.

Photo: Anjelica Smilovitis.

As we walked along the trail, different members of the MGS shared stories of how the cork trees are used in Mediterranean cultures to make shoes, bags and flooring.

Viewing the garden from the hilltop revealed the magnitude and endless possibilities of what can be cultivated using water-wise gardening practices in a Mediterranean climate. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Cultural landmark in Sydney Olympic Park to be relocated after Greek community advocacy

The Sydney Olympic Park Authority has confirmed the Discobolus Monument in Stockroute Park will be relocated in a 'respectable' way.

Trump announces 25% tariffs but signals possible exemption for Australian steel

US President Donald Trump has stated he will give "great consideration" to exempting Australian steel and aluminium exports from new tariffs.

Panathinaikos goalkeeping legend Takis Oikonomopoulos dies at 81

Takis Oikonomopoulos, one of the greatest goalkeepers in Greek football history, has passed away at the age of 81.

Greek and French leaders discuss defence and AI at Paris talks

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, February 10 to discuss defence and AI.

Locals who stayed behind pray for relief amid Santorini’s ongoing tremors

Residents who are yet to flee from Santorini held a religious procession on Sunday, February 9 to pray for the seismic activity to stop.

You May Also Like

Maria Alexiadis no longer President of Karate Victoria

Due to "ongoing governance issues," Maria Alexiadis is no longer the President of Karate Victoria and she won't be on the board.

Arthur Sinodinos providing consular support to two Australian journalists attacked by police in U.S. riots

Mr. Sinodinos said in a statement to that he was providing consular support to the two journalists, both of whom are Australian citizens.

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from match casting doubt on Australian Open participation

Nick Kyrgios’ participation in the Australian Open is now in doubt after he withdrew from a pre-tournament exhibition match against Djokovic.