Meeting Etty Zimmerman for the first time is both a memorable experience and lesson in the value of a beautiful garden. She has a sixth sense for landscaping that’s borne out in her spectacular garden in Woodland’s Mount Eliza.
Etty Zimmerman in one of her garden’s many picture-perfect outdoor rooms.
She grew up in Indonesia, a descendant of the Sunda Kingdom of Java before moving to The Netherlands where she met her husband Leon. They spent 15 years together before embarking on a move across the world to Australia 30 years ago. In 1992, Leonets, was established and Netty has devoted her life to one of Mount Eliza’s most spectacular gardens.
The front garden at 24 Gillards Road, Mount Eliza is a breathtaking entry to a spectacular property.
A rural outlook from one of the outdoor rooms at 24 Gillards Road, Mount Eliza.
“I used to do the open garden,” she explains, “It’s too many people and too much to organise. Now it’s just for me, my friends and the neighbours.”
Outdoor rooms begin on the verandah and reveal themselves over 3/4 of an acre towards Kackeraboite Creek.
Currently listed with RT Edgar Mount Eliza, the Victorian revival is pitch perfect with antique cast iron verandahs, stained glass made by Etty herself and a rich patina of solid timbers, ceramics and plaster work that recreate a grand home of the era.
Outside is where the majesty of the home comes into its own. Hundreds of plant species, arbours and exotic botanicals have been tended with an expert eye to create numerous outdoor rooms. It’s a property best experienced in person and one any lover of gardens would be hard pressed to fault.
Views down a valley to Kackeraboite Creek, immaculately trimmed lawns and a restrained use decorative features that delight at every turn are just some of the features of the garden.
Down the garden path - antique statues flank one of the may entries to secret outdoor rooms at Leonets.
We asked Etty for her top five Live Love moments and, for this Mount Eliza garden lover, it’s people who dominate the list.
Love my garden – “It’s so peaceful and revitalizing to spend time in its many rooms.”
Live for my house – “It will be sad to leave, but it’s time for more people to enjoy what Leo and I have created.”
Love the neighbourhood – Lovely houses and gardens
Live for the seasons – “It’s so beautiful to see my garden and The Village change with the seasons.”
Love how safe it is – Caring and helpful neighbours who all watch out for each other
“I’ve been here for a short lifetime and seen so many changes,” says Etty. “In my garden, but also in the neighbourhood. So many young families. But we all have something in common here in Mount Eliza – we cherish beauty and we nurture it.”
An outdoor room is perched above a valley where the gentle waters of Kackeraboite Creek run freely.