Stawell resident Stephen Gliese, who was for 30 years a commercial vegetable grower, has offered insight into his cancer journey as encouragement to people who are setting out on their own.

Diagnosed with stage-four cancer in September, Mr Gliese started chemotherapy in November. 

“To be honest, it was a little tough at first, but the doctors and oncology nurses were a huge help – not to mention the wonderful support and encouragement from close friends,” he said.

“It took a few fortnightly sessions until I could get my body and mind to accept the loss of energy and the side effects. 

“I have improved with each and every visit since.”

Mr Gliese and his wife, Glenda, are keen gardeners who supplied vegetables to markets and businesses for three decades, building up the soil to support growing.

In March last year, they began their retirement plan of converting their vegetable plots into native gardens.

The couple cleared the site, shaped the landscape and installed winding pathways. They added seven frog ponds and planted home-grown and nursery-bought plants, which have attracted 68 species of birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

“As we progressed, it gave me great pleasure and increased my energy levels,” Mr Gliese said.

“I do what I can, when I can, and when I can’t, I have a rest. It has kept me going, happy in mind and soul.”

The addition of rocks, boulders and fallen timber has encouraged lizards, skinks and geckos, and the waterlilies have provided colour.

Mr Gliese said they were thrilled with the result, and wanted to encourage people who were going through a difficult time to remain positive and find a joy.

“A positive attitude and keeping busy when you can will leave you feeling much better and much happier within yourself and the wider world,” he said.

“We all have our own passions and our bucket lists – maybe take up a new hobby or even learn a new language, take up a craft project or learn a musical instrument.

“Keep your mind active with positive thoughts, it really is the difference to help with your journey.

“I’m not dying from it; I’m living with it.”

Mr Gliese said the couple would eventually open the gardens to the public, with the intention of raising money for cancer-research programs. 

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