What began as a simple escape from a family tragedy has blossomed into a beautiful garden that has touched people across the Redlands.
It is all the hard work and dedication of Birkdale couple Ian and Judy Wintle who invite the public into their amazing garden each year.
In 1996 their son Scott Wintle broke his back in a motorbike accident while travelling overseas.
The Wintles brought him home for his rehabilitation and were looking for an activity to let them unwind and relax in the midst of their busy lives caring for their son.
"We needed to keep busy, not think to much about it, and get our minds off Scott becoming a paraplegic, so we started gardening," Mr Wintle said.
The couple have lived in their Birkdale home on an acre of land since 1988.
"Gardening gives you happiness in your mind, it keeps you fit, keeps you busy, and it just gives you this magnificent interest that we can share with so many people," he said.
They have also made their garden sustainable, using water tanks, compositing, and native bees to pollinate their plants.
"We brought trailer load after trailer load of rocks and soil and things like that, and we've made this entire garden by hand," Mr Wintle said.
Before they knew it their incredible garden was something the public needed to see, and they opened the Giving Garden in 2002, donating money raised from entry tickets to the Lions Club.
"The problem with opening is that it makes you want to do better each year and so the garden looks nothing like it did when we first opened because every year we build new gardens and plant new things," he said.
They generally host up to 1000 people coming to see their garden each year.
From 2002 until 2017, they raised more than $60,000 to support the Lions Club disability services, and in 2017 they were recognised by Redland City Council as local heroes.
Mr Wintle said funds raised at this year's open garden would support his son.
"Scott has gone on to achieve just magnificent things in this world, he's a champion disabled water skier, he's travelled the world, and now he is an accredited coach," he said.
"The open garden helps him, we don't take any of the money at all, it all goes to assist him and his love of disabled water skiing."
He said they hoped to keep opening the garden, but it would depend on their health in the coming years.
"I really think my favourite feature of all is when the caladiums are in full fare as they will be for the open garden this year," Mr Wintle said.
"No matter when you come, there's always something different to see, it's so wonderful."
The Giving Garden will be open on November 20 and 21 at 5 Carlton Court, Birkdale. Entry is $10 but children are free.
Emily Lowe
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
