COVID-SAFE ELEPHANT SURE CUTS A FINE FIGURE

COVID might be the elephant in the room but John Knobel would rather see the elephant in his front yard.

Nelly the elephant stands at more than 2m tall in the garden of John and Jill Knobel’s home in the Sydney suburb of Matraville and has been a labour of love for almost 10 years.

Mr Knobel said he spends about 30 minutes every other day tending to his creation

The retired tennis coach has been interested in topiary for about 30 years, perfecting his hedges through trial, error and research.

“I get a thrill out of it, it’s very satisfying. I’m not qualified as far as being an expert but I’m keen, it’s such an advantage to have an interest,” he said. With Nelly proving to be a popular neighbourhood fixture for passers-by, Mr Knobel has added a custom-made mask so she keeps up with the public health orders.

John Knobel at his Matraville home with his "Covid-safe elephant hedge" that he has shaped during the lockdown. Picture: Sam Ruttyn