I’ve interviewed many people on their gardens now BUT I’ve never interviewed the source of where my plant love originally came from. My dad. I would follow him around our large garden with my keen eye soaking in the actions of him in the garden, whether it would be mowing the lawn, pruning the trees OR mulching. More often than not though he would only have me picking up the dog shit. We had a labrador (Caesar) and his poops were BIG and MESSY, but, in due-course, dad gave me a patch of garden area at the back of our yard that quickly turned into my own tropical oasis complete with bird aviaries and it got bigger, meter by meter over the years to follow. I wish I had photos of this, sadly I don’t, BUT let me assure it was GRAND & LUSH & FABULOUS haha. I used my garden area as a form of escapism, my safe space if you like. I was grateful for this. But this is not about ME, let’s talk to my dad; Richard…
Where do you find passion for the garden?
Adding a new plant and watching it grow.
Did you originally get the gardening bug from your own parents, either or both; Joyce & Reg Hamence?
Neither of my parents were keen gardeners, it was just something I developed a passion for, even before I was married.
What was the first plant in my garden?
After 31 years getting the garden to this stage it is a bit difficult to remember the first, but I guess it was the medium size trees which I needed for shade later on.
How many hours to care for the garden a week?
It would be nothing unusual for me to spend 30 or more hours per week pottering in the garden.
What has been mum’s input into the garden been and does she enjoy it?
Unfortunately mum has no interest in gardening, the one and only time I asked her for help, she started pulling my ground cover out – I never asked for her help again haha
Whats the most difficult thing about having a large garden?
Nothing beats a large garden, if I had an issue it is when I’m away and have to bring it back up to scratch when I come home.
The best thing about a large garden?
Being able to wander thru all the different sections and maintain each plants needs
Which plant is my current Fav and most cherished?
I would say my Birds Nests, two very large and I’ve just added a third, but I cherish all my plants.
What plant is on my wish list?
Goes without saying, a couple of Tree Ferns, but to date I have had no success with them
A good plant care tip?
Spend time nurturing each plant, they all have different needs just like us.
A plant you’ve tried but didn’t succeed in keeping alive?
Tree Ferns by far.
Ornamental or produce?
A plant that ‘gives’, whether it be with something edible or visual will always be rewarding, nothing better than watching the ‘fruits’ of your labour come to life.
If you had the opportunity to re do your garden would you change the style?
No I wouldn’t change my style,but definitely re shape my planning to add more sub-tropical plants which is very difficult with Adelaide’s dry hot weather.
And, finally, being the father of ‘me’, The Botanic Designer, did I learn it all from you or did you learn from me? haha
Well, I would like to think I taught you a few things as you were growing up BUT I am known to giving you a buzz asking random questions and seeking out some tip s on various plants.
Thanks dad for the interview! Keep ’em growing and thanks for being my teacher in my formative years of being a ‘plant lover’ 🙂
