THE sound of Young Talent Time booming from the television on a Sunday used to be music to Toni Spooner’s ears, signalling the reprieve from a day’s work out in the garden for her mother.
But Toni has since developed her own love for her garden, obvious to anyone who has the privilege of meandering around her Mildura home.
“We spent most Sundays out in the garden, weeding and learning,” she said.
“I didn’t like it as much back then when I was little but it’s become a passion.
During the past 15 years living in her house, she has found solace in her garden, using gardening as therapy and exercise.
After working for Services Australia for more than 30 years, she sometimes ponders whether she should have been a florist, for her love of flowers.
“I love flowers,” she said. “I love arranging them, I love picking flowers from my garden and giving bunches to my friends and work colleagues.”
Like most avid gardeners, Toni wishes she had more time in her leafy oasis, and admits she quite enjoyed lockdown, which allowed her to potter and prune as she liked.
“I would like to spend more time in the garden. I don’t spend as much as I would like since I work full-time.
“Lockdown meant I had more time on my hands so I got a few extra goodies for the garden.”
But she also wants people to know that gardening is less time-consuming than most would think.
“I think once a month, if you spend a good day in the garden, doing all the weeding and maintenance, that’s all you need.”
