Visit this tropical oasis garden for a very good cause
<p>When you wander through the Wintle’s garden, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into a tropical paradise.</p><p>The one-acre “Giving Garden” as Ian and his wife, Judy, fondly call their land is a labour of love. But at 70 years old, both never complain about the tireless efforts to create their plot of paradise – they do it for the satisfaction and solace of their family, friends, visitors and wildlife.</p><p><img width="233" height="350" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10697/qsuper_240413_79927-copy-_233x350.jpg" alt="QSuper _240413_79927 (Copy)" style="float: left;"></p><p>In the last 11 years, Ian and Judy have opened up their garden to the public in order to raise money for local charities. In 2013, they raised $5700 for a local boy suffering from cerebral palsy, who was desperately in need of a special walker. In the 2014, they did the same and raised another $3000 for disabled children through the Lions Club. Overall, they’ve seen thousands of visitors and raised well over $37,000 for charities through opening their gardens.</p><p>This year the Wintle’s are doing the same and opening their garden to support the Lions Club to raise money for disabled children. It’s why Ian is encouraging everyone near the area to come by, say hello and relax in their garden. And don’t think it’s your ordinary garden, the Wintle’s have worked hard to create sub-tropical oasis fill of rare, bizarre and beautiful botanicals. Winners of Gardening Australia’s Golden Trowel award, the Wintle’s are avid plant collectors so their one-acre land supports thousands of unusual and interesting plants.</p><p>Ian says, “There will be some great plants for sale, refreshments from the Lions Club and a raffle. Some visitors stay for up to four hours and they are welcome to bring their camera.”</p><p><img width="530" height="242" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10698/plants-for-sale_530x242.jpg" alt="Plants For Sale" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p><p><strong>When:</strong> 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22November, 2015</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 5 Carlton Court, Birkdale, Queensland</p><p><strong>Contact:</strong> Ian Wintle, (07) 3207 4683</p><p><em><strong>To find out more information about the event, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/birkdalegarden" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ian’s Giving Garden Facebook page here. </span></a></strong></em></p><p><em><strong>You can also visit <a href="http://www.ianjudy.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ian’s garden blog here. </span></a></strong></em></p><p><strong>Related links: </strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/07/how-to-grow-organic-veg/">How to grow an organic veggie garden</a></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/07/inspiring-balcony-gardens/">10 inspiring balcony gardens</a></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/04/colourful-garden/">How to use colour in your garden to influence your mood</a></em></strong></span></p>
