A BANJUP property, identified as being of significant botanical importance in the Cockburn area, will be open to the community as part of the Open Gardens West Coast Scheme.
Owners Phil and Bronwyn Genoni have spend decades creating biodiversity in the gardens at their 2ha property.
For the past seven years, Mr Genoni has been suffering from pancreatic cancer that has spread to his spine and has recently started experimental chemotherapy.
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READ NOWHe said since becoming ill he has found working in the garden very relaxing and a major source of enjoyment.
“We have always had a love of gardening and opened our garden to the public in 2009 after friends and family kept telling us that the garden was too good to be kept as a hidden a secret,” Mr Genoni said.
“We were amazed at the comments from all the people that have been through the garden saying what a beautiful and interesting garden it is.”
The Genoni’s garden is home to a variety of wildlife including bandicoots, long neck tortoises, frogs and many species of lizards.
Bird life abounds with shade trees, an organic fruit, vegetable and herb garden, koi pond and large lawn areas that are edged by ferns, exotics and native species.
Roses and exotic shrubbery compliment the front of the home.
“We were so inspired by the number and variety of native fauna that we have increasingly designed our garden to encourage wildlife by providing habitat and food sources for native species.” Mrs Genoni said.
In developing an eco-friendly garden the Genonis have been helped by the City of Cockburn and have also been the recipients of several community grants which encourage local landowners to develop a biodiversity conservation program.
The Genonis have raised funds for Cancer Foundation over the years that they have opened their garden and are again hoping to donate most of the money raised this year.
The garden, at 23 Muir Court, will be open to the public on November 4 and 5, from 10am to 4pm.
Entry is $6 per adult.
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