Drought tolerant gardens
While everyone loves an English-style country garden, I thought a drought tolerant design featuring plants from all over southern Australia would particularly resonate with readers of Outback magazine. I have just interviewed the owners of an incredible one in SA’s upper Limestone Coast. Click here to view the article in my portfolio.
Nature’s Pantry – Hamilton, Victoria
There are swings and roundabouts…and then there’s spinach and roundabouts – particularly if you’re driving through one of Victoria’s largest country towns. Leafy greens are popping up in the middle of some of Hamilton’s busiest thoroughfares, giving new meaning to the concept of ‘lunch on the run’.
“The vegetables can be eaten, but they are still an aesthetic feature, and the cost is no different to annuals, which can take a fair bit of maintenance,” says parks and gardens co-ordinator Jenny Hurse. “We want to be the most healthy, liveable Shire, and this makes a real statement about sustainability.”
My story on this terrific initiative of the Southern Grampians Shire Council appears in the Dec/Jan edition of Outback magazine.
Willalooka Eco Lodge – Outback Magazine
Willalooka Pastoral Company is the featured station in the Dec/Jan issue of Outback magazine. Incredible country in SA’s Upper South East, with its own spectacular 810ha wetland precinct featuring a series of interconnecting basins.
The Marcollat Watercourse
The owners, Kate and Thyne McGregor, have opened the property to overnight guests. This self-contained, four-bedroom Eco Lodge set in total seclusion amongst gum trees is all yours for as long as you like.
Imagine kicking back by a roaring fire looking looking out over Big Reedy Swamp…
If you’re tempted, you can book here, and read more about my article on the property here.
Outback Magazine: Spotlight on Depression
Grab the thickest, heaviest, grey woollen blanket you can find. Soak it in steaming hot water, and completely cover yourself with it while lying in bed. Then, try to climb out and go about your normal day with that suffocating weight hanging over you.
Queensland’s Rural Woman of the Year, Alison Fairleigh, says this is what depression feels like. She knows, because she has worn this cloak of misery, and she is using her award to encourage others to emerge from such a dark place. Alison was fascinating to interview – her profile is in the latest Outback magazine.
Outback Magazine Towns: Port MacDonnell
A recent assignment for Outback Magazine led me to a place very close to my heart, where the rising sun on a still winter’s morning is absolutely magical.
The Southern Rock Lobster capital of Port MacDonnell is the feature town in the August-September edition.
You won’t find many shops or cafes in this part of the world; it’s all about getting back to basics…
Enjoying the outdoors and the company of loved ones…
And if your timing is right, a lobster feast.
Outback Magazine Drought Feature
What an amazing cover shot! You can imagine how excited I was when I realised it accompanies my feature on the end of the drought. LOVED working on this article, interviewing talent from all over Australia. Don’t ever tell me that farmers don’t like a chat!! Click on my portfolio to read more…
The Oct/Nov edition also contains my story and images on ‘Aberfoyle’ garden at Kongorong, so it’s a bit of a collector’s edition in our household!
I’m Gretel Sneath, accomplished freelance writer & storyteller. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on South Australia's Limestone Coast.