URGENT UPDATE: As spring blooms across Western Australia, Lisa Passmore’s garden in Kalamunda has transformed into a vibrant oasis, reflecting her lifelong passion for horticulture. This garden, cultivated by a third-generation horticulturist, showcases a commitment to creating a tranquil family space while embracing sustainable practices.
Lisa, the executive officer of the Nursery and Garden Industry Association of WA, is not just an advocate for gardening; she is a leading voice in promoting the profound benefits of “have-a-go gardening.” “The rewards extend far beyond getting your hands dirty — they build wellbeing, connection, and resilience,” she emphasizes. The latest developments in her garden highlight the intertwining of nature and human health, particularly with emerging research linking soil microbiome diversity to overall wellness.
In spring 2023, Lisa’s garden comes alive with a chorus of color and life. Bird-friendly water features and diverse plantings entice local wildlife, including a friendly bandicoot that recently appeared to greet visitors. The garden is adorned with grevilleas and the latest anigozanthos cultivars, creating a stunning visual spectacle that attracts pollinators. “Flowers matter. They bring joy and feed the system,” Lisa insists, reinforcing the interconnectedness of her garden’s ecosystem.
Curved pathways invite leisurely exploration, revealing secret corners brimming with citrus, vegetables, and herbs thriving in wicking beds. As the old cherry-red camellia loses its blooms, the hardy WA native chorizema takes center stage with its vibrant orange and pink flowers, while alstroemeria promises to add summer color soon. This garden embraces the global trend of “wild and free,” allowing spring weeds space to flourish for the sake of biodiversity and soil health.
While Lisa encourages foraging, she stresses caution: “Precise plant identification is essential,” she warns. No herbicides are used, aligning with her commitment to organic practices. Edible plants like chickweed and purslane are intentionally nurtured for their culinary value, enriching both garden and plate.
Established trees, a legacy of the property’s history, provide shade over raised beds filled with leafy greens, strawberries, and herbs, all mulched with dried lemongrass leaves. “I advocate for planting more trees in our suburbs for shade, cooling, habitat, and beauty,” she states, underlining the importance of greenery in urban areas.
Lisa’s garden serves as a layered narrative, reflecting her family’s gardening traditions and her dedication to permaculture principles as a philosophy and lifestyle. As a horticulture educator, she shares her knowledge through garden design workshops, equipping others with practical skills to cultivate plants, food, and flowers. This not only spreads joy and wellbeing but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability.
As spring unfolds, Lisa Passmore’s garden stands as a testament to creativity and a profound connection to nature. It is not merely a private retreat but a vibrant celebration of life, community, and the planet’s health. With her ongoing commitment, Lisa continues to inspire others to embrace gardening as a means of enhancing their lives and their environment.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lisa’s garden journey as it evolves throughout the season!
