FLOWERS and family relationships bloom side-by-side at 14 Lichendale Street in Floreat, where owners Donatus and Patricia Michalka recently took out the Best Residential Front Garden in the Town of Cambridge’s 2009 Garden Competition Awards.
The couple, both marriage therapists, have lived in the street for more than 30 years and say the garden is a real family affair, with their four children and two grandchildren pitching in to help.
“It’s an excuse for us to get together and have fun,” Mr Michalka said.
“It’s also a very garden- proud street and the fact that people in the street look after their gardens is an expression of that community spirit.
“Everyone knows everyone else, which is lovely.”
An appreciation for horticulture may be in the blood as Mr Michalka’s father Bon Minius was a well-known garden architect who received an Order of Australia for his service to the plant industry.
“For us, a garden isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Mr Michalka said.
“It creates an environment of beauty and nourishment.”
The Michalka family have previously won a second and a third place in the annual garden competition, which this year was judged by Cr Hillary Pinerua and infrastructure and parks manager Ross Farlekas.
All front gardens in the Town of Cambridge are automatic entrants.
“We never set out to win; we’re too busy living,” Mr Michalka said.