BILL Toomer was so impressed with the evolution of the “cave house” and garden he built on the outskirts of Wedderburn 40 years ago, he would be happy to make it home again.
The self-described jack-of-all trades is about to turn 89 and on Sunday made his first visit to the home in 15 years when it was open for the town’s annual open gardens day.
Bill went to live on a river boat on the Murray at Barham before finally retiring to Bendigo.
Daughter-in-law Michelle Kipping said: “When we heard that the house was part of the open gardens, it was a sure decision to pay a visit.”
Bill and Michelle were taken on a special tour by current owners Kain and Michelle Murray and daughter Crystal.
“They’ve done a good job ... I might move back in,” Bill said.
“I started to build the house in 1983 and lost a bulldozer in the floods of 1984.”
The house covered in earth and surrounded by a garden of natives and succulents is part of the Murray’s self-sustainable lifestyle. property.
“There’s been 10 years of learning and five years of success,” said Kain. “We try to learn what to grow. It’s hard soil that’s not easy to plant in.”
“Crystal looks up and sources plants for the garden and now Michelle and I are also addicted to the evolution and growth of the garden.” And in tribute to the unique home’s original designer Bill, Kain has named the refreshment area Bill’s Bar. 
The Crystal Cave Garden was one of five private gardens open on Sunday.
Organised by Wedderburn Community House, more than 100 people registered to visit the gardens.
Pam and Bruce Turnbull took visitors around their garden showcasing a playful spirit and whimsical features and an area dedicated to the ANZACs and Michelle and Bruce Hargreaves opened the gardens at their accommodation venue Kurracaburn, the former Korong Bush Nursing Hospital. Activities and produce stalls were popular at the community house.