With Spring sprung and restrictions easing, Geelong Botanic Gardens volunteer Kate Kirkhope talks to Luke Voogt about her love of gardening.
Tell us about you …
I’m 67-years-old, going on 47, Geelong-based and semi-retired, with my son and his family living and working at Torquay. I love to help out with my two grandsons and with their school and activities here in Geelong. Reading, mosaics, painting and gardening are my hobbies. I have followed my passions, aimed for the top and set my goals a little outside the square in all I do. I’ve enjoyed success and fulfillment through this strategy and I hope I can pass this on to my grandchildren.
What’s your Geelong connection?
I grew up in the Yarra Valley but worked at Melbourne Surf Shop after leaving school, which introduced me to surf culture. I became more and more involved down the coast and ended up marrying and starting Water Cooled Surfboards with my then-husband Kim. My wonderful son Milan was born down here in Geelong and has lived down here for much of his life, working for RipCurl. I went on to spend many years back up in the Yarra Valley working in biodynamic farming, viticulture and natural winemaking. I moved back to Geelong and the Bellarine after the Black Saturday bushfires burnt out my vineyards in the valley. After that trauma, I really wanted to be close to family. After several years converting Basils Farm, Swan Bay, into a commercial venture for the owners, I then moved into Geelong proper to be close to Geelong Botanic Gardens, Eastern Park and the fantastic lifestyle Geelong offers. The thought of having my own beautiful gardens so close and not having to do all the work was totally appealing.
What’s your role at Geelong Botanic Gardens?
I joined the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens a few years ago and volunteer in their nursery and perennial borders. I love growing plants and tending them, so volunteering at the gardens is heaven to me. I’m also secretary of the friends and help run events and other activities. COVID-19 has meant that our volunteering activities have had to cease. But while we can’t be at the gardens, some of us have put together a local calendar with our best tips for home gardening and what is special to see in Geelong Botanic Gardens for each month. We’re hoping this will help fill the void our other fundraising activities have suffered.
What do you like to do locally?
I spend every morning exercising my dogs around the park and gardens, enjoying our amazing Eastern Beach, the Green Spine and hidden spots in the city. I have a tiny plot at home which is fast becoming an oasis of food. I grow companion plants, small deciduous trees, fruit trees – pixie, dwarf and espaliered, orchids and flowers – all on about 150 square metres of garden space. Mornings enjoying the sun and nature in this garden are sublime. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, I’m looking forward to getting back to helping at the gardens, and visiting wineries, cafes, movies and concerts with my friends. I love the little speciality places which have a real story to tell.
More information: friendsgbg.org.au/
