About Itchy Palms Gardens
Itchy Palms Gardens is a private property in Mandurang Victoria, Australia, owned by Paul and Judy Sens.
I'm Judy Sens and aswell as this Web Page, I have started a Youtube channel that gives viewers more insite into the many garden rooms over the four seasons and enlightens the viewer with background stories behind each garden within the 2.5acre area. If you want more just visit Youtube and search itchypalmsgardens or Judy Sens to see for yourself. We are also on instagram for more current updates. Itchy Palms Gardens only 'Open' to the public once a year to help raise funds for the local community. Our next Open Garden is planned for the 9th & 110h December 2023. We will be helping raise funds for a local charity. A representative from their organisation will be assisting and greet you at the gate. Please check Facebook Events for details closer to the Scheduled Opening. In 2022 Garden enthusiasts from all over the state wondered through the grounds enjoying our efforts including plant stall, vintage trials motorbike display and art sales. If you or your organisation have any questions regarding our Open Garden please don't hesitate to email us at ; [email protected] |
'Daisy Walk'Find us on facebook & instagram 'Willow Walk'
in late summer with fragrant Bella Donnas. |
The name "Itchy Palms" was derived from the 'pun' and Judy's love of palm trees and Kurrajongs with their itchy seed pods. Consequently these were some of the first trees planted on the property.
Unlike many other large private gardens, this garden does not have "staff" to design and create the spaces and maintain the grounds nor has it had an open cheque book to draw from. Like all of us, Paul and Judy hope one day they may come into money and the name "Itchy Palms" echoes their dream.
'But now when we sit our garden, after all our hard work and look around, we feel like we've won the lottery'
This web site was set up by their daughter for her eccentric mother.
'Thank you Kirby for feeding your mother's obsession' xxx
Unlike many other large private gardens, this garden does not have "staff" to design and create the spaces and maintain the grounds nor has it had an open cheque book to draw from. Like all of us, Paul and Judy hope one day they may come into money and the name "Itchy Palms" echoes their dream.
'But now when we sit our garden, after all our hard work and look around, we feel like we've won the lottery'
This web site was set up by their daughter for her eccentric mother.
'Thank you Kirby for feeding your mother's obsession' xxx
In the beginning.......
The gardens were created from an empty pasture paddock back in 2004 containing only one mature gum tree in the north west corner. Like all gardens this one has evolved over time and because of the harshness of the climate there have been many plant fatalities. Mandurang endures temperatures of over 44 degrees C in summer and under -8 degrees C in winter. It is zoned temperate and the annual rainfall is low, with the long term average being only 550 mm. Consequently, for every one living plant they have planted at least three have perished and the gardens are continually changing. Due to the cost of heavy machinery it has only been used at Itchy Palms Gardens back at the beginning to move larger rocks donated by Paul's brother Peter and to dig the dam at the front of the property.
Paul and Judy have worked together as a team propagating and buying small plants to nurture to maturity to keep costs down; planning the layout of the garden; building structures including pergolas, seats, arches and even the chicken and out house; moving tons of rocks; shoveling tones of sand and mulch; and pruning, weeding and maintaining all areas of the gardens.
Their dream is to create a paradise of their own and they are hoping that their Open Garden held only once a year will show you that hard work, determination and passion gets results.
Paul and Judy have worked together as a team propagating and buying small plants to nurture to maturity to keep costs down; planning the layout of the garden; building structures including pergolas, seats, arches and even the chicken and out house; moving tons of rocks; shoveling tones of sand and mulch; and pruning, weeding and maintaining all areas of the gardens.
Their dream is to create a paradise of their own and they are hoping that their Open Garden held only once a year will show you that hard work, determination and passion gets results.
Itchy Palms like any garden is a product of its surroundings and it's owners. Judy's love of exotic plants, organised chaos and whimsy are evident throughout. Paul's ability to build and create structures on demand is also apparent.
Although they are both working other jobs aswell, they have managed to create peaceful surroundings and enjoy all their efforts especially in the summer months when Itchy Palms Gardens is in its peak flowering period. |
Aerial view of the gardens taken in 2016
This was the only tree on the property when it was purchased in 2004. The rest of the block was grazing land.
The dam on the property was the first thing constructed and the drive and house site were built up from the excavated fill from it. Contour drains each side of the dam catch rain water and a small water right has enabled the gardens to survive.
Judy and Paul have gained inspiration from all over the world and from each other and hope visitors in the future will also be inspired to get out side and get their hands dirty and express themselves by beautifying their own gardens. |
The gardens have extended over the time even though weather conditions have not always been optimal.
Because of the size of the gardens areas have been named to make it easier to visualize where each part is.
At last count there were 30 signed smaller 'gardens' within the property.
Because of the size of the gardens areas have been named to make it easier to visualize where each part is.
At last count there were 30 signed smaller 'gardens' within the property.