The stunning Bostonvista garden at Boston will be on show this weekend as part of Open Gardens SA’s 2025 spring program.
Bursting with colour and character, Bostonvista has been carefully crafted by owners Karen and Rick Miels to make the most of its stunning site and sweeping coastal outlooks.
A vacant block just 10 years ago, the property has transformed into a captivating garden that frames breathtaking views across rolling farmland to Boston Bay and Boston Island.
Using stone unearthed during the house’s construction, 163 metres of stone walls were built and an impressive mosaic-stepped entrance that leads from the home down into the garden.
Here, vibrant beds of roses, bearded iris, rosemary, lavender, poppies, succulents and native plants form a dazzling display of colour.
A small grove of wattles creates a cool, natural shade house that shelters impatiens, fuchsias, ferns, hellebores, iresine and begonias.
Grasses, iris, daylilies, and cannas soften the edges of a rocky watercourse that winds into a small pond at the garden’s base.
The last 18 months have provided challenges for the garden with drought, wind and rabbits.
Many of the South African bushes – Proteas, Leucidendrons and Leucospernum – were lost to the drought conditions.
Railway sleepers form rustic crossings over the creek, while a pair of rusted steel fishermen stand sentinel beside the pond.
An immaculate vegetable garden, securely fenced against rabbits, and a fully enclosed orchard with 20 fruit trees provide the household with fresh produce all year round.
Re-purposed treasures from local op shops bring charm and creativity to the garden, blending beautifully with the surrounding plantings.
A village of painted rocks will interest children, and there will be a trail with painted rocks for them to find and then hide again.
The garden at 125 Howard Avenue, Boston will open on Saturday 25 October and Sunday 26 October from 10am until 4.30pm, with morning and afternoon teas, plant and book stalls and a raffle.
General entry cost is $10 and under 18s are free, while Open Gardens SA members and Commonwealth Government pensioner concession card or health care card holders (but not a seniors card) pay $8.
Money raised will go to the Eyre Peninsula Home Hospice Services.
