Viesturs was a creative, kind, generous soul who enthusiastically gave to all, his time, wisdom and humanity. He has left a diverse legacy of private and public gardens, and community and cultural projects throughout Adelaide and rural SA

Despite his  involvement in many significant spaces and places, he preferred anonymity and excelled at collaboration, connection and recognition of teamwork.

He always had respect for the tradition of what had gone before  “one should always lay the next layer: a garden is a continuum, not a creation in a moment and I prefer my work to be a small mystery in time.”

Stories shared by family and friends at the celebration of his life
7 October 2025

Musical tribute to Viesturs
Derek Pascoe (saxophone) and Chris Martin (piano)

Viesturs was passionate about supporting the work of Freedom Hill Sanctuary, whose mission is, “to provide a safe haven for animals that have been rescued from abuse, exploitation or neglect”. Making a donation to support the continuing work of Freedom Hill is one way you can acknowledge the many gifts that Viesturs gave us.

 Click here for the donation link or access via the QR code.
Please add the reference Viesturs when making your donation

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“The true gardener has abiding faith and must express it, if only by planting an acorn where the “Genius loci” calls for an oak. Better still is some imprint of ourselves in imperishable wall, in steps of stone, in terrace that will be but more beautiful if the neglect of centuries overtakes it perchance.

Then will our sound satisfaction lie not in showy flowers, not in exquisite details of the moment, but in knowledge that the charm which has been discovered, the genius of the place which has been revealed and adorned, is safe for all time, a gift to the future more lovely then than even we can now dream“

Fletcher Steele, “The Appeal to the Intelligence” (Essay collection Rochester Historical society)