Frances Noonan
Riddells Creek Nursery has transformed the backyard of a deserving local couple through its community-driven Garden Angels Project.
The initiative, created by nursery owner Geordie Taylor, awarded a complete garden makeover to local residents Eleanor and Peter Butland after they were nominated by their daughter Amanda in June last year following a difficult period for the family.
Geordie said the project was all about giving back to the community.
“It’s super important to give back and it’s a big part of the culture of this business,” he said.
“To be honest, this job was bigger than we thought. Luckily we had an amazing community – sometimes you just need a hand.”
That helping hand came from across the region, with the local men’s shed volunteering time to assist with planting, while several businesses donated materials including steel edging, hardscaping supplies and soil. Thanks to the community effort, the project was completed in April this year.
The result saw Eleanor and Peter’s backyard transformed from a bare paddock into a vibrant garden retreat. The design blended native and non-native plants while thoughtfully incorporating the couple’s existing garden beds.
Eleanor and Peter said they were overwhelmed by the generosity shown by everyone involved.
“Words cannot describe how very grateful and humbled we are to be the lucky recipients of this gift,” Eleanor said.
“We are already enjoying every minute in this beautiful space. Here I was expecting a new garden bed and instead we were gifted a life-changing garden. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
