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‘It’s a beautiful garden but it might not be in a day or two,’ Rochester local says

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Peter Atley in his garden which overlooks the Campaspe River. “We moved here from Shepparton. We dairy farmed out here and now we’ve come back after running a newsagency in Shepparton for 13 years,” he says. Photo by Daneka Hill

Retired dairy farmer and newsagency owner Peter Atley lives on the banks of the Camaspe River in Rochester.

Mr Atley spends his days gardening, birdwatching and hosting a neighbour’s guinea fowl flock.

“I love living on the river,” Mr Atley said on Wednesday, October 13, right as the rain began to fall.

“It’s a beautiful garden but it might not be in a day or two. I’m worried a bit because last flood (2011) water got into the garage. I’ve already lifted everything that needs to be lifted.”

A day after Country News spoke with Mr Atley, a flood watch warning was issued for the Campaspe River with emergency services declaring major flooding was “likely” in the Rochester township from Friday morning.

Luckily, Mr Atley’s brick house on the Spencer St cul-de-sac sits up on foundations, which gives him an extra 50cm of grace.

The river also has to climb about 3.5m to get over the bank and spill into Spencer St.

The Campaspe River was flowing fast on Wednesday, October 13, behind Mr Atley’s house. You can see the steep banks which normally protect people’s homes, but a serious flood would make short work of them. Photo by Daneka Hill
The guinea fowl flock belong to the Ward family down the road. “But they come up here and spend a day,” Mr Atley said. “They can be a bit noisy, but I like having them here.” Photo by Daneka Hill
The lawn looks outstanding. Close up, it becomes obvious Mr Atley is actually using a ground cover (Dichondra or kidney weed) and not grass. The gardener said he only has to do a few lines with the mower along the street; the rest looks after itself. Photo by Daneka Hill
The garden boasts several metal birds, some of them hidden among the bushes and flowers. The guinea fowl and topknot pigeons seem to like them. Photo by Daneka Hill
Roses are Mr Atley’s favourite plant. These ones are just starting to bud. “My wife Kaye died 18 months ago. She loved gardening too and always loved the roses,” the retiree said. “I’ve just planted some more down the back.” Photo by Daneka Hill
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