Hilkiah House

This might seem like a post by 'House and Garden' magazine and maybe one day it's going to be that. Peter had the pleasure of visiting Hilkiah House at Kinglake on New Year's Day 2021 and to explore its amazing garden growth. In twenty years this bare grassy two acre property has been transformed into a massive 'secret' garden. The fires of Black Saturday licked its edges eleven years ago, as one of the pictures (tree with a face) will show, nearly destroyed it. But the family were committed to keeping it safe if at all possible, and they did. It is a place of healing and renewal. Peter's friends offer this little piece of God's healing touch through their hospitality vision. It was a lovely way to 'book end' the change of the years, first with Gembrook Retreat the day before and then with Hilkiah House to step into the year with. Enjoy, and imagine being there. 

Cygnets Swim

 

The swans moved house! Their new 'base' is across the lake, not that they use it much except at night when the cygnets are all nestled under the wings of the parents. Life seems to have settled among the the various bird folk in the wetland, but the local human population are suddenly visiting. So many people are being invigorated by the sight of six little fluffy cygnets, still under a week old. This good news of every egg hatching offers real escape from the negative mental health risks that are part and parcel of the statewide restriction not to venture more than 5 Kms from home. This is like a free zoo trip for people who live nearby and a renewed and refreshed community forms along the boardwalk of the lake to watch the new arrivals swim about. Peter has made a further video of the last few days at the wetland and this time to the accompaniment of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony (First Movement). It can be viewed HERE.