Pieces of Milang given second life to be explored in upcoming open garden

One of Milang’s most unique gardens featuring recycled pieces from the town, will open its doors to the public this month.

John Rutten and Roberta Swinbank are looking forward to hosting their first Open Gardens SA event, and showcasing many rescued and upcycled pieces from Milang.

After moving from Victoria, the couple bought the 1.25-acre property in 1997, with a cottage built circa 1990.

The property, Marchriskmick, was named by the previous owner honouring his three grandsons, Mark, Chris and Mick.

Mr Rutten and Ms Swinbank began working on their garden from about 2000, learning to notice what’s growing in the area, to understand what species thrive in that environment.

Their other hurdle was the dry conditions, with non-wetting, sandy soil, and living in Milang with about 400ml per year.

“Gardening here is a challenge, it’s not for the faint-hearted,” Ms Swinbank said.

Much of the garden developed naturally without following a plan, with plants and cuttings gifted to the couple, and others bought from plant fairs.

“A lot of plants have meaning to me because people give them to me, and if they multiply, the better,” Ms Swinbank said.

A productive garden – fed by 66 thousand litres of rainwater per year – grows enough vegetables to feed the couple, and includes citrus, olives and boysenberries.

Unique nooks, stand-alone rooms, shelters, and decorative pieces make up much of the garden, with many saved from landfill and roadsides, and repurposed.

This includes posts in their garden, which were rescued from small jetties in Milang, pulled down in about 2008, due to being old and rickety.

Wire peacocks were found in the lake and now hang in the garden.

Timber, blinds and stones have been rescued and reused, as have some eye-catching bottles recreated into a colourful wall.

Ms Swinbank finds the best way to garden is to look at what she has, and then find a place for it.

“Make-do with what you’ve got, you don’t always have to buy something new,” she said.

“If each of us on this planet left it a little bit better than how we found it, and just lived simply, then we wouldn’t have so many problems.

“(We have found) how to do it in our own little way.”

After pouring much time into their garden and projects, Mr Rutten is pleased they have saved many pieces from landfill.

“My satisfaction is the peace and quiet of the place,” he said.

“We don’t have any traffic noise.

“The number of birds and lizards we’ve brought into the place, that’s satisfying.”

Ms Swinbank is happy she planted many trees, creating a more sustainable future.

“There’s no doubt about it, when you get up in the morning, I come out, and I just love it,” she said.

The event will fundraise money for Medecins sans Frontieres, which brings medical humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, epidemics and healthcare exclusion.

Visitors can join a walk and talk at 11am and 2pm, purchase plant sales and succulents from Clayton Bay Nursery, and enjoy tea and coffee.

Lights and lanterns cast a different look on the garden, so visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic on Sunday evening and enjoy the space at twilight.

The property is at 33 Stirling Street, Milang, which will open on April 16, 10am-4.30pm, and April 17, 10am-7pm.

For further information, visit: (http://opengardensa.org.au/).