By Emily-Rose Toohey
A beautiful garden lies on the outskirts of Warwick belonging to locals Janine and Sean Hegarty.
The couple have been working tirelessly to restore their 1800s-era home (named Haddington) since purchasing it in 1995.
The expansive garden has been growing and evolving over the past 20 years, and on the 23 and 24 April, the garden was opened to the world for a worthy cause: raising money for motor neurone disease.
“Our friend Beryl Tranter passed away from motor neurone disease three years ago on ANZAC Day,” Janine said.
“This open gardens was dedicated to her.”
Over the weekend, Sean said that about 300 people visited the gardens at 118 Ogilvie Road across both Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re very appreciative of the people who came along and supported the cause,” he said of the attendance.
Upon entry, there was a $6 donation required with all funds going to Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland Inc.
However, Sean expressed that the community was incredibly generous.
“Some people donated $50 and it means a lot – we raised just under $3,500 in total and we’re very happy,” he said.
Part of hosting the fundraiser was the couple hearing how the disease has impacted people, which Sean said was shared with them through stories
Attendees were also able to gather, relax, and enjoy the flowers, plants, and trees grown and cared for by the couple, all while enjoying a cup of tea with a scone.
Sean explained that one gentlemen even spontaneously bought some pot plants from them, which ended with an unexpected surprise.
“He came and bought some plants, but realised we were missing one species,” he said.
“So, he came back and brought us the plant we didn’t have.”
Despite the drought impacting the garden’s viability, Sean and Janine have persisted through this hardship as they continue to expand their property.
One of the garden’s quirks is the creative ways in which Janine adds character and personality to the space, like utilising an old pair of jeans.
“It’s very satisfying sharing it (the garden) with people,” Janine said.
