A lorikeet enjoys the grevillea flowers.

It’s winter in Brisbane, the sun is shining and finally after good late summer, and early winter rains gardens are alive with colour.

In her Queensland cottage garden, Chetwynd, lovingly tended over many years, Helen Henngingham has created a haven for birds – and the grandchildren.Sawdust spread on the paths for a weed free and moisture retentive access through the plantings invite exploration.

The garden wraps around a charming turn-of-last-century colonial Queenslander home.

Deciduous Lagerstroemia indica provides a sunny winter seating area.

With the removal of a mature poinciania from the front garden came the challenge of changing the planting from shade to sun loving.  Fortunately the Camellia sasanquas still thrive in the rich deep loam famous in this suburb.

Exotics and native species blend happily in this talented plantswoman’s garden.

Grevillea ‘Ivory Whip’ looks like G. Moonlight but is more compact and almost prostrate.

Justicia features in the side garden under  the red winter berries of Nandina domestica  and the Queensland tree waratah, Alloxylon flameum on the boundary fence.

You’ll be able to read more about this lovely garden next year when Kim Woods Rabbidge writes an article for Gardening Australia magazine.