ROCKS scooped from the ground when Kath and Barry McNaught were building their Bridgewater home 30 years ago have shaped a garden full of roses and natives.
Roses are a favourite of Kath. She once had 130 varieties but drought, floods and salty water has seen that reduced to a more manageable 50 types that now add colour at every turn.
Two rockeries became the pivots for laying out the front and back gardens that were part of Sunday’s Bridgewater Garden Club open day.
“The rocks became a feature, we planted trees and went from there,” said Kath.
“When we came here, it was a bare block and lots of rocks ... we wanted to make the rocks a feature,” said Barry.
“The block had nothing on it except bindies and a huge peppercorn tree.
“We kept the peppercorn tree and planted more trees that have grown well since we have been here and everything just went on from there.”
Barry and Kath said a native tube stock giveaway from the old Marong Shire had boosted early planting of their garden.
The garden also features giant cacti and Barry said “the silos in the background give us a real rural atmosphere”.
Kath said floods in 2011 and 2022 had seen water up to 25cm deep around the house. “We lost a few plants each time - the rain fell and had nowhere else to go - and we’ve always just started again”.
“There’s been no real plan although the roses are a favourite,” she said.  “My mother was a very passionate gardener and I’ve always enjoyed gardening too.
“I find that gardening helps get you through life.”