Top water-wise gardens open

By Kath Gannaway
NOTHING is wasted at Kinvarra, Allan and Jan Penman’s one-hectare property at Wandin.
Their investment in water conservation is reflected in a magnificent garden where the abundance of water is in contrast to many garden and farm properties in the Yarra Valley.
The garden, a mix of exotics and natives with streams, billabongs, waterfalls and a large pool, is open to the public over the Australia Day long weekend.
It’s a good time to visit for anyone looking for inspiration and ideas on how to make the most of what water is available.
All the Penmans’ roof and garden water is diverted to a 1.5 megalitre dam. Water off the garage goes into two 13,500-litre tanks and there is a waste treatment plant for all internal wastewater, including toilets.
Once it’s treated, the gardens reap the benefit.
The one-hectare garden won the best water-wise landscape in last year’s Victorian Landscape Industries Association awards.
Another Wandin garden open over the long weekend is Inverleigh at 25 Bailey Grove. Featuring specimen trees, a natural bush area, herb and vegetable gardens and an orchard, it is a delightful garden to visit and with proceeds going to the local CFA, again, it is a timely opportunity to combine an enjoyable Australia Day outing with supporting CFA volunteers.
Kinvarra at 13 Rodger Road and Inverleigh at 25 Bailey Grove are open from 10am to 4.30pm on 26, 27 and 28 January.