Sheryl's tropical garden flourishes in Burnett Heads

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After moving into their Burnett Heads property 18 years ago, Sheryl and Maurice English dug in to create the tropical garden of their dreams.

The garden has constantly changed, with the duo adapting and transforming the use of the narrow residential block.

“There wasn’t much of a garden here and our vision was to extend our living area by building a Colourbond shed which we used as our games room,” Sheryl said.

“Later on, we planted fruit trees and have a very productive vegetable patch, compost bins and garden shed.”

Coming from a long line of gardeners Sheryl said she was fortunate to have a husband as passionate as her in the garden. 

“He likes to garden too, it’s an outlet for him,” she said.

“He looks after the veggie patch and fruit trees, I look after the other gardens and of course sometimes we do things together.”

Gardening on a small block has been no problem for the green thumbs who said they enjoy creating in a manageable space.

“I think smaller spaces are fine as you adapt,” Sheryl said.

“I wouldn't change it for anything, I love it.

“We usually spend a couple of hours every morning in the garden.”

Sheryl said what she planted now was very different to when they first started, as trends come and go and new gardening styles were adopted throughout the years.

“I bought palms from a nursey in Elliott Heads and all the kids said oh no we don’t want palms,” Sheryl said.

“I ended up planting them in a different spot, which has serviced the garden well, allowing the understory to grow lusher and thrive.”

Sheryl said she enjoyed every moment spent in her garden as it had evolved over the years with many plants that remind her of loved ones.

“I inherited all the orchids when my sister passed away,” she said.

“Talking about things in your garden remind you of loved ones and I have got plants in the garden that remind me of my grandmothers.”

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