Australian Succulents

Warning: there are no toilets, but a shopping centre 5 minutes drive.

Warning: There are slopes, steps, deep water and dangerous plants. No wheels permitted, no pets, children MUST be supervised at all times.

Some further information about our garden below.

Attila & Michele Kapitany's Garden

Welcome to our garden - showcasing the diversity, resilience and beauty of an eclectic mix of low maintenance plants. From across the world many of which are succulent or native.

Our location in the outer east of Melbourne is ideal for showing others what can be done in a suburban or rural location with a similar climate.

 •1.       A full list of all the species planted is available on request (being collated for early 2011).

 •2.       Short plant  lists will also be available, with plants groups as:

• Easy to grow
• Moderately easy to grow
• Difficult to grow
• Low ground covers
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Low maintenance
• High maintenance

 Encouraging native wildlife.

Gardens that have thick or thorny bushes protect native animals by providing shelter, refuge from predators, nesting places for birds such as blue Wrens and New Holland Honeyeaters. Blue wrens have declined in recent years due to cats, dogs and foxes. This garden has a double wire perimeter for added protection. Cats are under a 24 hour curfew in this district. Wildlife has increased in this garden in recent years e.g. thousands of tiny skink lizards and several large blue tongue lizards (and a copperhead snake).  Create habitats through careful design and plant selection. We have a special area dedicated to attracting butterflies and bees. Another area nearby for honeyeaters. Several billabongs at low points in the gardens are homes to hundreds of frogs of different species. Ducks, herons, purple swamps hens and a range of other water birds frequent the largest billabong. Here there are many native grasses and daisies for the butterflies and their caterpillars. Over a dozen bird baths or raised ponds provide drinking points for birds. Pesticides and chemicals are kept to the minimum as overuse can harm the nearby waterway and wildlife.

This display garden is also used to demonstrate and educate. We also undertake research and trials to promote the integration, good design and use of waterwise native plants.  Wisely chosen native plants bring many benefits and need not look untidy.

While the garden is almost 10 years old, only for the last 5 years has the focus been solely on incorporating new, interesting and unusual Australian native plants. As a demonstration/display garden the objective is sufficiently complete. Visitors regularly find a great deal to see, appreciate and learn even though it is still evolving.

Our garden has many curious and wonderful secrets to share with those who are interested. Visitors can relax in the garden, or stroll around or sit in the various seating around the garden and contemplate. For the very keen there are thousands of photo opportunities or interesting or unusual plants to ask about. Or perhaps if you're lucky enough, as most people are on quieter days, a chance to see or photograph the wildlife.

A lot of people comment of the numerous and unusual native plants. The whole garden is a unique experience and is distinctly different from any other garden.

Environmental weeds - be cautious when choosing plants that appeal to you as there are always a few amongst them that have the potential to become weeds. Remember to ask about these.

Whatever your idea of a perfect garden is or your style of gardening, there will be something here that will strike a chord. This garden has been designed to show how water efficient plants can create desirable gardens. If you wish to see some pictures, email a request and we'll give you a link.

There are many thousands of plants just in this one garden.

 The Future

This garden will never be complete so from time to time work areas and projects will necessitate areas being untidy and off limits.

Children

Children in your care must be appropriately supervised at all times.

Reducing fire risk

Ideas and plants used in this garden can contribute significantly to a bushfire protection plan. Ask to be shown these when you visit.

Edible plants

You'll be surprised what is edible in the garden especially the ones that are native.

Plant Sales

A large selection of plants is always on sale during most open days.

Guided tours

Join Attila or Michele for a tour of this stunning low maintenance garden.

For those seeking a rich and diverse garden of their own in a few short years there's a lot to be gleaned. There is a series of different garden areas (rooms) some thematic and some geographically arranged. Highlights include the cactus garden, the desert plain, the 'Crow Bar', the Ruins, the Billabong and the butterfly lawn.