5 days to go : BUILD DAY 7

Swinburne university students descended in hoards this morning, along with the teachers I have come to know well during the planning of this epic adventure. I'm totally impressed with all of them as they throw themselves into the spirit of creating the vision we've all embraced.

It's a challenge to keep out of each other's way so we're all grateful for the size of the site.

The BBQ draws a crowd

The Arbour boys had the roof finished this morning - beautifully trimmed in an arc at the front by Stewart with a very noisy grinder. The possums must be very tired by now I think. Today's teams included Sandra and Mim on the shed pergola. While Rohan was up at the nursery frantically collecting twigs that had been left behind on this morning's truck run, Mim and Sandra played around with twigs and dried leaves woven into the wire frame Anthony had created. After much discussion and considered review of the first panel, we decided to ditch the idea and let the beautiful shed just shine on its own. If anyone needs kindling I believe Rohan can help you out there! (sorry!)

Mim and Sandra working on the pergola

Meanwhile, the horticulture team worked on the kid's tunnel. Acacia 'Lime magik' is now tied together into a low, narrow tunnel that will absolutely delight any children who come to the show - that's if there's any room left around all of us looking for some light hearted fun.. The planting around the tunnel proved to be a difficult mix to get just right, but a few committed students and then just one, stuck with it till I finally declared it was done. We were creating a loose foliage picture and it's easy to create a mess of nothingness if the combination isn't quite right! Phew! onto the next area tomorrow..

The Arbour boys were working on the sand dune wall today, blending it into a run of sticks in the sand that will become our treasure posts. These are my way of honouring the collected fascinations of children and engaging them back into the garden. Shells, seed pods, cones and twigs have been collected and painted, then tied together in ropes by Anthony's wife Paula and a band of local children. They will adorn posts throughout the garden as treasures at a spot in time.

The coastal garden needed a seat, the subject of much discussion and brainstorming with Stewart over the last couple of months. I believe a really relaxed coastal garden has many elements that are created with found objects, quite different to what can be found in shops. i spotted a torturous log on the ground this morning that Stewart hadn't mentioned recently and thought it might be time to find out where he planned to use it. Turns out this was his treasure, one he hoped I hadn't noticed that could slink back into the Ute when it was all over.

Within half an hour it had potential as a rocking bench seat with an arm on one side. 4 long branches later and a few screws... All it needs now is some comfy pillows at the end! This man is an artist with a chainsaw! I love it!

The rocking bench gets a test drive

Our fabulous teams of students achieved so much today, so a very tired bunch of people went home feeling like we broke the back of it today. What a great feeling to have caught up! Tomorrow Ben's team of stone walling students will create the heart garden walls, a beautiful reflection of the lovely granite walls going up across from us on Phil Johnson's site. Australian gardens herald the entrance to the show gardens this year and it really is a stunning sight for sore eyes!

Today's team - what a bunch!