A life in full bloom : gardening with Ailsa at Peninsula View

Despite the winter weather, Peninsula View’s beautiful central garden is flourishing, thanks to her hard work (and very green thumbs!)

“I started gardening at the age of 11,” Ailsa recalls. “I was living in Caulfield and I had a Grandma who was a gardener.

“I got some earth from somewhere and started growing succulents.

“Since then, everywhere I’ve lived I’ve envisaged gardens before I’ve move into a place. I lived in Carnegie and Frankston mainly and put a lot of work into my gardens.

“Flowers are my thing. I tried growing vegetables for a little while, had some tasty tomatoes but the possums took them all, so I lost interest.”

It is hard to believe that Ailsa will turn 94 next month as she tends to the Peninsula View garden with enviable vim.

“I got my daughter to bring in some big pots and cuttings, and we have geraniums, pansies and gardenias. I love any flower that is in season, but orchids and bromeliads have always been favourites.

“Everyone in here tells me that they love looking at the garden,” she smiles.

″I don’t do it to gain Brownie points. I do it because it’s an outlet for me. It’s always therapeutic, gardening.″