James Mason
Last year my backyard was all white flowers

I came to Minto about ten years ago. I have over 400 plants. I still got about 200, and some were left in my yard. I have them in different pots. I save pots. The garden relaxes me, like I am happy now. I made something nice. I taught myself. I have done all the decorating myself. I did two courses at TAFE.

I have to do the Garden Competition. I have to judge a garden. I got a shock when Jane asked me to do that. She goes to me, “Will you do that?” and I was like, “Yeah!” I go around and look at people’s yards, see if they’re alright, then I judge.

I’ve only got 60 roses. I’ve got heaps of white roses. I love white, that’s my favourite colour in the garden. Last year my backyard was all white flowers. Everywhere you looked, all white flora roses and green colour. I’m starting to cook ‘cause I cooked a roast dinner on the weekend. That’s good yes, all healthy from your own garden.

My mum took home pictures of me in the yard over there, the front yard. That’s why I’m angry, for moving ‘cause I have to give my plants up. I don’t know why we should have to dig our plants up. They should do it for us. What about when we move? A lot are going to die when they are put into the ground. And are they going to replace them? NO! We don’t want to move from here, but they don’t get that. The only two things I’m really peed off with Housing Commission, is that I’m never going to be reimbursed. I spent a lot of money on my house and yards.

I’m taking all my plants and all my rocks and logs. I’m taking everything. I’m not leaving anything so it can all go to the tip.