An Enchanted Road Garden

Since relocating to South Gippsland many years ago, I regularly drive down a particular stretch of road which, especially in spring, never fails to take my breath away.

Country roadsides typically display wild, overgrown flora between distinctive property entrances. This is my perception as I travel from Tarwin Lower to Leongatha - until I turn into Whitelaws Track in Leongatha South. Suddenly the surrounding, untamed greenery transforms into spectacular gardens.

As I proceed, I find myself amidst beautiful, landscaped grounds, which spill out onto both roadsides from a private property. The extensive nature strips blossom with cultivated, nourished, deciduous trees, shrubs and flowers, emanating every colour of the rainbow. It's truly an outstanding sight and each time, I feel I am journeying through an enchanted garden.

Endearing locals, Hoopy and Val Deenen, are the proud, passionate caretakers behind the scenes. Twenty-five years ago they purchased a two acre property in Whitelaws Track and over time, with passion and laborious work, a wonderland emerged.

Hoopy explains, "Initially the roadsides wore thick walls of mature blackberry bushes. In fact, the area was so overgrown, it was impossible to erect or replace fences on property boundaries. After a tedious task of spraying, culling and burning the noxious weeds, a clean slate emerged in preparation for my vision."

Utilising their horticulture skills and love for gardening, Hoopy and Val created their own piece of paradise, one step at a time.

Beginning with their substantial yard, they designed and grew a stunning, serene space to relax and appreciate. Hoopy says, "As we don't own house pets, native birdlife and animals visit often, and are seemingly unafraid. It's customary for us to watch hares hopping through our garden or a kangaroo stopping by as we enjoy a cup of tea. All varieties of local birds constantly dance around our shrubs and we feed magnificent king parrots daily. We've also established a lovely, tranquil, private spot for our visiting friends to park their caravans."

The Deenens have admirably grown a wondrous, idyllic utopia, incorporating a multitude of diverse vegetation. Their innovative ideas came alive and exhibit a magical array of blossoming colours all year round.

Val and Hoopy affirm, "Although outside our property boundary is crown land, we've converted the thirty feet wide nature strips from dense, weed scrub to a colourful oasis. Our motivation is to share beauty with everyone."

Over the years plenty of passerbys have stopped to admire the gardens and to chat with Hoopy, who is typically spotted nurturing his beloved foliage. Many were Melburnians venturing down to their favourite holiday destinations. Even a car club once pulled up its train of vintage cars to take a closer look at the picturesque, fruitful land. Hoopy excitedly claims, "People constantly slow down as they pass by or stop to take photos. It's wonderful to see our creation offers so much joy."

Val and Hoopy assure me the upkeep is not as monumental as one would think, as the garden itself is established. It's the weeds that endlessly scream for attention. However, Hoopy diligently keeps on top of the undergrowth, while he uses a ride-on mower to trim the lawns.

The striking acreage is, no doubt, Val and Hoopy's pride and joy. They especially delight in the tubes of gum trees they planted years ago, now prominently standing sturdy and tall along the road. These evergreens will outlast generations to come if unharmed, and will eventually become one of the Deenen's legacies, along with their impressive, manicured gardens.

Val & Hoopy Deenen