Garden gurus … plant lover Anne Langmaid sits with daughter Jenny in her beloved garden. 54332 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Natalie Gallenti
ANNE Langmaid loves nothing more than spending time in her beloved garden.
After moving to Keilor Village 16 years ago the green thumb decided she would learn all that she could about the native flora and the best place to start was the Keilor Plains Group of the Australian Plants Society.
Over a decade on, Ms Langmaid is secretary of the group and an expert on plants in the region.
And her lush garden is proof of that.
However the plant-lover is also an environmentalist and conserves as much water as she can.
“I hardly water my garden. I’ve probably watered it five times in the past year,” Ms Langmaid said.
“I choose plants that don’t need water, but are still colourful.”
Her favourite plant the eremophila covers her grounds in small colourful shrubs, reminiscent of a cottage-style garden.
Her passion for plants has even rubbed off on her 19-year-old daughter Jenny who also attends monthly meetings with her mother.
Ms Langmaid said the group shared stories about their gardens and bought cuttings to each meeting for other members to plant.
She said it was the perfect meeting place for retirees looking for a hobbie and a chance to socialise.
“You can learn a lot from other people. And your interest grows deeper and deeper each year.
“Everyone should be involved in their local environment. It’s a wonderful feeling, putting in and taking ownership of where you live.”
Only Ms Langmaid’s two dogs don’t appreciate her treasured garden, but the pair must simply “co-exist”.
The Keilor Plains Group of APS meets on the first Friday of every month at St Phillip’s Uniting Church, Airport West, from 8pm. Anyone interested should call 9336 3228 or visit www.apskeilorplains.org.au
