They had no money and lived in a small caravan when they visited on weekends as they built their house.

A house was not the only thing they had in mind for their grassy vacant block, Anna and Bob wanted to plant some trees.

After a visit to her home country of Holland in the early ‘90s and showing her family pictures of the new property they asked her to plant trees for them when she returned.

Holland is a small country and it is rare for people to own a whole acre of land.

Anna began to plant trees for each member of her family and now each of her grandchildren have one.

There is also special sections of the garden dedicated to people they have loved in their lifetimes.

Anna said the trees ‘sponsored’ by a loved one have grown better.

Bob and Anna moved into their newly built home in 1996, but it was only then their garden became far more than just trees.

They planted plenty of Australian native plants, fruit trees, vegetables, colourful flowers and even some dutch tulips, a gift from Anna’s cousin when she visited their home. 

“I am very proud of the Australian natives,” Anna said.

“The garden is full of memories.

“It is magical,” she said.

Garden Club’s on the South Coast regularly stop by to view the garden and Bob said he makes an ‘extra special effort’ with it if he knows they are coming.

Under the watchful eye of Anna, Bob does most of the grunt work in the garden. 

“I’ve got it all pretty right,” Bob said.

“I spend about one day a week in it.

“I never run out of work and I have never been bored for one day since we have been living here,” he said.

Anna and Bob’s garden will be in full bloom in a couple of weeks.