A Plumeria Paradise Blooms in Canning Vale: Nelly Tkachuk's Frangipani Oasis
On a perfect summer day, the journey leads to the Canning Vale home of frangipani collector and horticulturist Nelly Tkachuk, who has cultivated what can only be described as a true Plumeria paradise on Earth. This garden is a striking fusion of vibrant colour and sustainable design, where frangipanis reign supreme and native plants provide year-round interest and ecological benefits.
Showcasing Frangipani Beauty in Perth's Climate
The garden masterfully demonstrates the beauty of these often-misunderstood tropical trees, proving just how well they thrive in Perth's unique climate when paired thoughtfully with West Australian natives. The design cleverly incorporates space for a meticulously curated potted collection, with every specimen carefully catalogued and labelled for educational purposes.
In the front garden, planted frangipanis of various sizes form a shady, sculptural backdrop, their architectural trunks and glossy leaves creating a stunning framework. In the foreground, a three-year-old native garden has replaced high-maintenance lawn, enhancing both aesthetics and sustainability.
A Year-Round, Waterwise Landscape
This layered approach ensures the garden never experiences an 'off' season. When the deciduous frangipanis drop their leaves in winter, the native plants step up, bursting into bloom and providing essential colour and habitat for local wildlife. The result is a remarkably waterwise, low-maintenance landscape that delivers continuous visual interest and ecological value throughout the year.
An Extraordinary Frangipani Collection
Nelly's potted and planted frangipani collection is nothing short of extraordinary, spanning the entire colour spectrum from soft yellows and pinks to fiery reds, glowing oranges, delicate mauves, and rich purples. Among the highlights are rare specimens like a black frangipani and several variegated forms, making this garden a true collector's treasure that reflects years of dedicated cultivation, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
From Humble Beginnings to Horticultural Passion
Nelly's passion for frangipanis began modestly with a single cutting found abandoned on a verge. Successfully rooting that cutting sparked a fascination that would ignite a lifelong passion. She studied horticulture in Western Australia and previously travelled annually to remote Thailand in search of rare cultivars, importing bare-rooted cuttings until recent changes.
The closure of WA's quarantine facility has shifted her focus to experimentation within her existing collection. Now she confidently roots cuttings, germinates plants from seed, and practices grafting and multi-grafting techniques to expand her botanical repertoire.
Living Lessons in Frangipani Care
Beyond its sheer beauty, the garden serves as a living classroom for frangipani care. Nelly emphasises the importance of starting with the right soil, improving Perth's sandy soils with organic matter and wetting agents, or growing plants in pots where space, root competition, clay soils, or frost pose challenges.
Sunshine is non-negotiable, with frangipanis requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily. Watering must be measured carefully, as these trees store moisture in their thick stems and are prone to rot if overwatered, particularly during winter months.
Strategic pruning in spring or summer keeps trees healthy and compact while providing cuttings for propagation. "Frangipanis are such not-much-fuss plants, requiring fertiliser with NPK just once a year," she explains, highlighting their low-maintenance appeal.
Community and Sustainability
Nelly also hosts a Facebook group called West Coast Frangipanis for like-minded gardeners, fostering community and shared knowledge. More than just ornamental trees, frangipanis prove to be tough, resilient plants perfectly suited to Perth gardens. With the right approach, they offer not only spectacular flowers but also a sustainable and deeply rewarding gardening experience that enriches both the landscape and the gardener's life.
