MELBOURNE - THIS SUPER ELABORATE GARDEN

Driving through a town called Sunshine in Melbourne's western suburbs recently, I came across the craziest garden I've ever seen. Given that every plant I've ever bought has eventually and inevitably become an ashtray (or worse), I was amazed that someone would devote the time and energy required to turn their front lawn into this magical wonderland of topiary awesomeness.

The best thing about it though is that when we all but ran out of water and the drought hit, directly threatening this person's beloved hobby, he or she started building concrete, non-water dependent animals instead. So right there, in between the elephant that must've taken at least five years to create, there's a shonky-looking rooster, a couple of bears, and a rhino. This garden is an unmistakable example that kindness still exists and there are people out there doing nice things for others without expecting money, booze, drugs, or sex in return.

HELEN J. GROSE