KRISTEN Thornton's camellias are blooming beautifully on trees she planted years ago as a something of a family challenge, because her mum said they wouldn't grow in her garden.

"They certainly grew but, unfortunately, she was unable to see them, which is a shame," said Mrs Thornton, 81, who has been proudly digging and weeding and planting and just enjoying her Koorlong garden for 51 years.

It'...