Robin and Stan Giles of Monbulk show off the Balinese style bridge that is a feature of their cactus garden.By Tania Martin
A MONBULK couple have attributed the opening of their garden this weekend to their son who died in 1994 after a long illness.
Robin and Stan Giles have been working on the garden for more than five years and are now ready to put it on display as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme.
The AOGT is a non-profit organisation that started in Victoria in 1987 with the aim of promoting gardening across Australia.
The Giles’ garden, Dragonwyck, is full of colours and areas with different themes.
Stan and Robin said the garden was developed as a tribute to their son Jordan (1981-1994), a special-needs child who was unable to communicate verbally and had some developmental problems.
Jordan attended Monbulk Primary School for a few years, where the students and teachers learned sign language to communicate with him.
Mrs Giles said there couldn’t have been a better school for Jordan to go to.
In 1993, Jordan suffered from an abnormal flow of blood to the brain, and after surgery failed, he slowly faded away.
Mrs Giles said for the first three months Jordan was in the Monash University Hospital, but following the surgery and for the last nine months of his life he was in the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Jordan just slowly wasted away in that last 12 months,” she said.
Funds raised from the open garden will be donated to the Very Special Kids Foundation (VSK). Mrs Giles said during Jordan’s time at the Royal Children’s Hospital volunteers from VSK made sure he was never alone.
Mrs Giles said there was also a special tribute to the VSK volunteers in the garden.
The Giles’ garden features many themes including Balinese, cactus, and an angel garden which is a special tribute to Jordan.
Residents can enjoy the magic of Dragonwyck, at 85 David Hill Road, Monbulk this weekend (21-22 January) between 10am and 4.30pm. Admission is $5 per person with Devonshire Teas and a gourmet barbecue available.
Mast Gully Gardens, at the foot of the Dandenongs in Upwey, will also take part in the AOGS. The garden includes a rock garden planted with conifers, Australian and exotic shrubs, with David Austin and carpet roses in shades of pink.
It will be open this weekend from 10am to 4.30pm with an entry fee of $5.
