Back in the Maryborough days I knew keen gardeners and educators, Judy and Allan Morgan whose home now in Samford, Brisbane is their pride and joy. Both passionate about anything they can get their hands into ( building, planting, sewing and cooking) the owners have designed a beautiful, serene space with plenty of scope for entertaining. Their garden relates to the their lifestyle and how it will age. It is both pleasurable, soulful, gracious and well planned. Plant selection, colour and perfume combine to lift one’s spirits. There’s a balance exists between the private parts and the busier playing areas for their grandsons. It’s a love affair that’s worth sharing – a Morgan piece of paradise.

I asked Judy about what she loves most about her garden. She skilfully worded her response this way, ” we purchased this 1.5 acre property 6 years ago and were attracted to the position of a very large dam that traversed the width of the property. The only trees on the block were two large gums. The view and the expanse of the garden created would be uninterrupted.”

Take a look at this and ask yourself, wouldn’t it be a marvellous spot to appreciate, value and enjoy?

Like a mirror the sunlight captures simple beauty and reflections

There are a variety of trees from Jacaranda, Himalayan magnolias, olives, lemon scented myrtles, fruit trees, cedars, poinciana and more. Imagine setting up your easel for a plein air class, or sketching under the shade of waterhousias.

Because Judy and Allan are a close family they  love to watch the sunsets and beautiful reflections on the water with their families. Coming together for a glass of wine and food both down near the dam and fire-pit or under the climbing roses and ornamental grapevine alfresco style is popular. Throw in two active grandsons and as Judy says, “the tree house and flying fox get great use with the boys.” Allan, Matthew and son-in-law Andrew often kick a football or use the kayak to paddle in the dam. Toasting marshmallows in the fire-pit is so enjoyable.

The family and friends gather to share a meal

For Judy her favourite season is “Spring when the ornamental plum, cherry and peach and crepe myrtles are in full bloom. However, our garden does give rewarding colour in Autumn with the changing leaf colour of the swamp cypress, liquid amber, persimmon and pear trees.”

Fragrant blooms

Planted carefully are agapanthus, cannas, spider lilies and one weeping willow.

Imagine Mary in the Secret Garden finding this?!

The owners have created a calm, lush and fragrant garden with a classical stone urn, places to sit and read and roses that Judy loves to use indoors.

The perfect bouquet

Allan prepared the soil well with adequate mulch after the planting. Trial and error with plant choice, a mixture of natives and exotics with Lilly-pillys, leopard trees, Fraser Island Apple, native frangipani, azaleas, callistemon, tibouchinas and a St Mary’s magnolia. Breath taking.

And even the friendly kookaburra comes to take a closer look.

It’s always hard to choose favourites in the garden. Roses for Judy are very special. Pierre de Ronsard, Cecile Brunner are winners. And when the native banksias are in full bloom, her heart sings. Talking of heart, her own parent’s garden has inspired Judy. The hippeastrum, hydrangea ( my favourite) crucifix orchid, azaleas and day Lillies also bring smiles. Being subscribed to the Diggers Club helps Judy to learn more about plants and shrubs. Also the active pair like travelling so many of their ideas come from magazines, Pinterest and visits to both public and private gardens in Australia and overseas.

ornate garden seat with a view

Del Kathryn Barton, famous artist has said that Autumn is the season she adores. “The light and colours go to a deeper place energising my creative and feeling life. Art is the shifting from summer white wines to reds and a different heart space.” I think Judy would agree.

As a final tip for any gardener, the Morgans believe that mulching is SO IMPORTANT!

And when Allan is not around, you can bet that Judy is out with her lady’s hedge trimmer. I can smell the lavender and rosemary hedges after she’s been through!!

This is the last in my garden series. Thanks Judy and Allan for sharing your beautiful garden with us. As a way of thanks, I am sending you some roses to smell!!