LONG-TERM ENTRANT SPREADS HAPPINESS WITH GARDEN
SHARING the beauty of her garden with others has always been something Ruby Brunner has enjoyed.
In fact, she has been participating in The Chronicle Garden Competition for almost four decades and has only ever missed one judging.
Back and better than ever, the experienced gardener has won awards over the years, but said her favourite part was bringing joy to others.
“The people you meet are so nice, and seeing their enjoyment feels incredible,” Ms Brunner said.
“Every year I learn something new, and this is how I relax – a part from bingo.”
Moving to a bare block of land in Rangeville, in 1962, Ms Brunner and her late husband did all the paving and landscaping of their garden themselves.
Ms Brunner used to trim the edge of her grass by hand with neighbours often saying how neat her work was.
The now 85-year-old’s love of gardening started when she was just a little girl.
“My mum loved gardening, and I was always outside helping her and my dad with the garden,” Ms Brunner said.
“I lost my mum quite young at 58 years old, and my husband at 53, but I guess it’s them who inspired me to get involved in this.”
The mum of three boys now receives help in her garden from her family and hopes she can pass her hobby down to her six grandchildren and great grandson too.
Featuring an array of bright colours, her yard is filled with Echium, Arctotis and Nasturtium flowers, as well as daisies in shades of white and purple.
The avid gardener also has three large orange trees and a macadamia tree.
“I know not everyone loves orange flowers, but to me all colours go together … plus the bees love my flowers,” Ms Brunner said.
“I’m very happy with this year’s garden because it’s all come together really well, and the rain has helped too.
“It’s very rewarding, and I love when my grandchildren visit and run through the yard to look at everything.”
The Chronicle Garden Competition guide and map will be in the paper on Friday, September 17.
Gardens will be open to the public between 9am and 5pm from September 17 to 19 and 24 to 26.