Rural & Agriculture
11 September, 2025
Blooming gem in Glenorchy
GLENORCHY has been quietly hiding one of the region’s most enchanting garden secrets for the past eight years.
Linda Fearon, has transformed two-acres of her three-acre property into a sprawling patchwork of garden styles, local history, and artistic flair, earning admiration from visitors far and wide.
“One of the main things I want with the garden is keeping the Glenorchy history,” Linda said.
Inside the gardens shed, Linda has curated a mini-museum of the town’s past, complete with photos of buildings long gone, like the old pub, and even dolls from Glenorchy families made by the historic Stawell Trio Doll Company.
“We get a lot of people who call in that used to have a family member from Glenorchy.”
The garden itself is a charming mix of whimsy and purpose.
Cement mushrooms, crafted by Linda, dot the space. She’s created paved paths, arbours built from reclaimed timber, and a mini golf course pieced together from Facebook Marketplace finds.
“Everything has been trial and error, and I encourage people to do the same. I like trying to reuse stuff and give it another purpose in life.” she said.
The first paved section was built from bricks salvaged from an old chimney on the property. From there, inspiration took over.
“Once the path was there, I started planting. I pick areas that give inspiration. A lot of people will just like either natives or cottage garden, but I like both.”
Massive old peppercorn trees shade one corner of the garden, what Linda affectionately refers to as the ‘secret’ or ‘fairy’ garden.
“There aren’t many plants there, but everyone loves the old peppercorns, walking under them, especially on a hot day,” she said.
Linda’s love for old things extends to art. On the roadside, a shipping container has been painted by artist Ingrid Rudolph, showing the old house that once stood on the block.
“It’s sitting there, why not paint it? We had a lot of tourists coming through looking for silo art, because there’s a sign on the main road, but it’s for a working silo. So we thought we’d give them something to look at when they come driving around town looking for them,” said Linda.
One of Linda’s standout creative touches is her series of handmade pavers, shaped using real rhubarb and monstera leaves.
“I love one-of-a-kind things. When I use the leaves, I don’t reuse them, so every single piece is different. I hate going and buying something with the same repetitive pattern, I like things to have their own character.”
Despite the dry conditions have taken their toll on the garden, with Linda losing some established plants, its only encouraged her to rethink spaces.
“It gives you a chance to remodel the garden and try something different. So I’m trying to eliminate the problem plants that create more work than we need, and plant more substantial stuff that’s going to last through the droughts,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Linda continues to welcome visitors and encourage gardeners to experiment, share, and learn.
“I encourage people to take cuttings, I’m more than happy to share,” she said. The garden is open throughout spring by appointment, entry by gold coin donation, 39–47 Forest Street, Glenorchy, or call Linda at 0438 581 068.
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