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From Williamstown to Wandin We travelled by car. It was worth the effort To travel that far. At Dot and Bob’s It was too good for words, In a beautiful garden Hearing the song of birds. So it was no surprise That we did hear That Dot and Bob had won Australian Gardener of the year! ‘Cos love is what’s needed To make things grow That’s why Dot and Bob Will reap what they sow. Guests from Williamstown, Vic. 'Epacris impressa' Commonly called 'Heath' One of the many spectacular Australian native plants growing at Katandra Gardens.   The sun has kissed the mountains And heralded the dawn. The birds send out the chorus a new day has been born. Mountains in the distance An array of coloured hues, Loom so large yet silently In lavenders and blues. A veil of mist lies gently Such riches to behold. Teasing with what lies underneath More precious, by far, than gold. So glorious the picture Only one could paint this scene, Flowers placed like jewels Amongst the velvet green. Looking for the answers? For wonder and for grace Search no more for majesty You'll find it in this place.       written by one B&B guests taken by the beauty at Katandra Gardens. We are fortunate enough to decide to stay in Katandra Gardens for one more day to make it a 3-night stay. When Dot first showed us around the cottages and the gardens on the evening we arrived, stunned by the spotless, cosy, exquisitely decorated rooms, the scent and the great variety of flowers and plants in the garden, my two aunts and my mom, all aged over 70, were so excited that they buzzed around with immense curiosity and joy like little kids. I was slightly embarrassed by their behaviour but felt very happy as they really liked the place. Thanks so much Dot and Bob for leaving my family with such an unforgetable experience and memory. Your hospitality and caring were far beyond our expectation. Thanks Bob particularly for bringing me around, explaining some serious stuff of gardening. Dot and Bob have created a miracle. I hope they will keep up their fantastic work and let their legacy thrive and last forever. Undoubtedly, Katandra Gardens will definitely be my first choice next time when I visit Melbourne as it is a perfect place for a getaway. I feel sad that I have to leave Dot and Bob and this paradise now. With tremendous thanks. My aunts; Hoi Wan and Oi Yin My mom: Oi Sheung My Dad: Chun Lam My Sister: Chloe Lam and me: Peter Lam 30/10/07 to 2/11/07 Guest from Hong Kong Beautiful spotless cottage with panoramic views of your garden and the valley beyond! Spectacular! Lovely extra touches - lavender soap, chocolate, frig full of food. Wonderful opportunity for Canadians to see all the plants of Australia in one place!! Great home base from which to visit other places in the yarra Valley. Thankyou for guided tour of your gardens - fascinating!         (Guests from Ontario, Canada) If only we could have stayed a few more days. Bob said, "This is the best place to be," and he was right. A unique experience offering total peace and tranquility. We could not have picked a better place to spend our last 3 days in OZ - a recommendation to visit will be given to all our friends. Many thanks to you both.                           (Guests from England) Greetings from Singapore via email Hello Bob and Dot,  Trusts this finds you well.  We're back from our holiday in Victoria and South Australia.  We have had a fantastic time and one of the highlights was to catch up with both of you again!  Enclosed is a pix taken for your keeping!    (Guests from Singapore)   To walk around your garden And listen to the birds Brings stillness to one's soul And the voice of God is heard. Jenny Stovold - Guest in B&B   Guests from Hong Kong What a joy to be welcome at such a lovely place a handful of minutes down the road. Thoroughly enjoyed our 'night away' - almost a day and noone's asked us for anything, lol! Bless you both for your kindness and welcoming smiles and a place to be in your gardens.        (Guests from the local area having a break) Thanks Dot and Bob for the hospitality and great works in building up this garden and B&B. We are enjoying the B&B dinner and great to have you two joining us! I truly hope you are enjoying the food from the part-time chef here... What's more, the experience here really gives us a great and major reason to come to Vic again! All the best and we are looking forward to seeing you two soon! (Definitely staying for more than one day!) ....... (Guests 17th November '07) This garden is a credit to you both, as it is so tranquil and relaxing. The accommodation is all you need, you have thought of everything. All the best for your future plantings. We will return one day. Many thanks Dot and Bob                         (Guests from Swan Hill) We have been humbled by the beauty of your creation Bob and Dot. Dot your attention to detail in the cottage is beyond compare and I was moved to tears when reading your poetry. Thankyou for the hour of your truly superb garden, Bob. We may make a gardener of Terry yet.     (Guests from Clifton Springs) Thank you Bob & Dot for these past 4 days. I have enjoyed myself very much at your B&B. Walking around the lake and gardens was so peaceful and relaxing. Thank you both for your friendship and hospitality. I hope we meet again one day at "Katandra Gardens." (Guest from Tweed Heads - NSW) Words can hardly express what a very special place Katandra Gardens is. We have been impressed with the quality of B&Bs in Australia. The facilities and welcome you offer surpass them all. Thank you for sharing your passion for the garden with us. The memory of our visit will remain with us for many years. ..................................(Guests from Leighton Buzzard, England.) Dearest Bob & Dot, Thank you so much for having us at KATANDRA GARDENS! Thank you for the warmth hospitality. The tour was inspiring. The breakfast was splendid. The room was exquisite! Lucky you!! We have had a great stay, a great experience and gained a great knowledge from you. You made us feel more like a family than a guest. We hope to see you again in the near future! Let's keep in touch! Thanks again! ..................................... (Family of 4 from Singapore) Lovely peaceful surrounds with beautiful flowers and flowering shrubs in a garden obviously created with much love and hard work by Bob and Dot. A comfortable cottage and being waited upon hand and foot is a delight one does not find easily in this day and age of "hurry, hurry, hurry." Thanks to you both for the care and attention afforded us. ..................... (Guests from Holland, Brisbane and Canberra) Dear Dot & Bob - Thank you for opening your Hearts & Home to us. Your warmth & generosity have touched us in a very special way that will be remembered for all time. Bob, we truly enjoyed a personal guided tour of your beautiful & exquisite garden, with its flowers, shrubs, trees and birds making it a perfect sanctuary for meditation for the peace and harmony of the "Song of Birds." A little piece of Paradise away from Home. Dot - Thank you for the warm & Loving Thoughts & wishes on my Birthday, for the excellent & delicious Dinner and especially our conversations which made that day ever so special. For the little things that touch the Little girl in each & every one of us Like the Teddy Bear, the lovely floral bouquets from your garden and lavender on the Towels (my all time favourite flower). We both enjoyed your poems which shows the warmth and depths of your heart and soul. Thank you for being such loving and beautiful people. You have made us feel right at home. We truly enjoyed our three days stay here. You are the very Best. God Bless. .......... (Guests from MJontreal, Quebec, Canada - July 09) What a lovely time out, to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of God's Creation. We have really enjoyed relaxing in your beautiful garden. Thank you for all you have done to make our 4th W.A. so lovely. Lots of love and blessings to you Dot & Bob. (Guests celebrating their wedding anniversary at Katandra Gardens as they have done each year)