Sat 2 to Sun 10 Nov ’24
A recent visit to Cordoba in southern Spain saw me queuing with hundreds of others, both native Spaniards and tourists, to visit the Cordoba Patio Festival.
A message from our Patron: John Patrick
Since 2012 this event has been recognised in the list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity created by UNESCO though the garden competition associated with the open courtyards dates back to 1921.
Many of the courtyards are tiny, the internal focus of a typical local dwelling, the walls dripping with colourful flowers grown in pots attached to the walls. At ground level there may be a well but certainly there will be paving that the family uses for sitting outdoors and pots brimming with diverse planting including masses of colourful flowers. For two weeks in the middle of May the historic centre of Cordoba is awash with colour and visitors; the city comes to life.
Cordoba’s open garden event represents one extreme of a worldwide movement, that of opening gardens to visitors with benefits that extend through the community, with increased patronage of hotels and restaurants, funds going to local charities and even just the psychological benefit achieved by gardeners who receive praise from visitors. Can there be a more pleasant and satisfying way of enticing others to attend your community?
While the Castlemaine Festival of Gardens may not have quite the history of that in Cordoba, it is now in its 17th biennial year, it is just as enthusiastically organised and presented. Visitors will inevitably gain inspiration and ideas for their own plot, benefit too from endless garden chatter and simply relax in the way that only gardens can achieve.
John Patrick | Patron Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens
Beginning in 1991 this year’s Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens celebrates its 17th biennial festival showcasing 13 new gardens and 11 previous open gardens – a total of 24 gardens!
from the President
The Art of Gardening is this year’s theme showing not only the skill necessary to grow wonderful plants in a somewhat difficult climate but what else can be added in ways of landscape flair and garden art throughout!
Included are gardens from Mount Alexander Shire and our amazing Goldfield’s Township of Castlemaine plus the surrounding region, including Maldon, Harcourt & Guildford.
Womin-djeka Welcome
The gardeners of Mount Alexander Shire acknowledge that we are gardening on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people who have been custodians of the land for millenia.
It is a privilege and a duty to honour this heritage as we continue to care for this extraordinary environment — we welcome you.
The variety of gardens will not cease to entertain, educate and leave you in awe.
We had a team of independent assessors, Ros Coffey and Helen Keane, who have assessed, advised and assisted the Committee to include gardens that will meet the individual visitor’s expectations. It takes experts to make a job look easy and seamless and having said this I would like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful Committee which comprises some with open gardens themselves and others who are garden enthusiasts.
On board is myself as President/Secretary with tireless support from John Rudolph (Treasurer & Memberships), Geoff Hocking (Sponsorship and Booklet design & Editing), Sharyn Walters, Denise Whelan, Leeanne Summers, Clive Allen, Leeanne Bernard & Ryan Garrett. Also, our paid assistant in Media & Publishing of the Festival – Denise Button – who ensures the public know about our event and we are noticed – bringing us many visitors who are new and many who are already in tune with our fabulous event.
Generous Sponsors: ASQ, Jellis Craig, Mount Alexander Shire –our advertisers throughout the booklet – there is an abundance of cafés, accommodation & places to visit while you are here.
Our Patron this year is John Patrick who has been officiating our wonderful event for over twenty years. He is an easy bribe with a warm meal and a Bed n Breakfast stay! Thankyou John for your enthusiasm.
Lastly, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the incredibly hardworking “Artistic Gardeners” who take on the challenge of having hundreds of people visit their gardens. It is a daunting task when we are so dependent on the weather to assist in bringing the final masterpiece to fruition. Many of you have been planning, planting and creating your garden for the two years prior to this opening.
Congratulations!!
Thank you all so very much Kind Regards
Sally-Anne Leversha (President)
Welcome to
opposite at top:
There are many parks and playgrounds around Mount Alexander Shire that make where we live a truly special place indeed.
our public places
:
In 2022 Castlemaine’s ‘Royal Oak’, was classifed as Victoria’s Most Significant Tree in 2022. The oldest tree in the Botanical Gerdens, this mighty English Oak was planted in 1863 to celebrate the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales
opposite at bottom:
From the beautifully manicured historic Castlemaine Botanic Gardens where flocks of ducks and native birds share the lawns beside picnickers, where each morning locals walk the paths with their dogs while others take the air and stretch their legs — the gardens are a jewel in Castlemaine’s arborial crown.
In the heart of town shady Victory Park offers a place to sit and reflect; with public amenities and a children’s playground it is a great spot to stay awhile.
At the foot of Mount Alexander stands the historic oak forest.
Planted during the gold rush — acorns from Valerian Oaks were used in the leather tanning proces — since then the forest has been the scene of ‘battles’ between the forces of good and evil in several movies as the forest replicates a european landscape.
The oak forest is also the starting point for adventure cyclists who come to Harcourt to tackle the ‘mountainbike’ paths.
Another ‘mighty oak’, the 161 year-old Royal Oak, stretches its limbs across our Botanical Gardens.
above:
Flower beds line Lake Joanna in the Botanical Gardens
below: Rotunda at Vaughan Springs Reserve and the Big Slide
Our regional communities are also well served with green spaces, modern playgrounds, picnic tables and shady trees.
At left: Harcourt’s new appleorchard-themed children’s playground sits amongst towering native trees.
Vaughan Springs, above, with its historic long-slide and mineral waters has welcomed visitors since the days of gold.
Below left: Taradale also offers mineral waters set in a lovely park beside the meandering creek and Maldon’s green spaces stretch from the High Street up Anzac Hill to the top of Mount Tarrengower.
Castlemaine and District has gardens for every occasion — for pleasure, for quiet reflection, for both passive or pacy pastimes — enjoy!
BREWERY AND TAPROOM BREWERY AND TAPROOM at the mill, walker st. castlemaine open tues–fri from 2pm, sat–sun from 12 serving TAPAS TUES-FRI & pizza FRI–sun ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS 0487 860 060
The Festival of Gardens is supported by the community and by many local enterprises who promote with us — we like to support them in return.
Things to see & do:
Castlemaine & District is renowned for the quality, and variety, of its coffee shops, boutique brewers and winemakers, bakers, chocolate makers, restaurants and cafés, along with a diversity of galleries, exhibitions, studios, theatre and other means of recreation and entertainment.
There is always a lot of activity around The Mill in Walker Street, opposite the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy coffee and traditional German fare at Das Kaffeehaus, a wide range of Shedshaker Beers at The Taproom, handmade artisan chocolates at Cabosse & Feve and a glass of locally made wine at Boomtown Wine — you should also nip into Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar where you may pick up something you didn’t know you needed.
Opposite Victory Park downtown Johnny Baker is a pastry chef without parallel and at Johnny Baker Uptown, beside The Northern Arts Hotel, you can also pick up a coffee and cake to go.
In town — Togs or the Taste Kitchen, are great for lunches or a morning coffee and when you are out at Newstead Dig Café, a long time supporter of the Festival, will sustain you and keep you going from garden to garden — and don’t forget BlackJack Wineries, just out of town on the Old Calder Highway at Harcourt, they are open at weekends where you can sample the best Red that ever slipped past your tastebuds.
Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal may well be the oldest theatre in Australia but that does not mean it is stuck in the past. Today the Royal, five times winner of the best Regional Music Venue, offers art-house cinema, great coffee, a glass of wine or local beers out on the street — or a pizza from Bistro Lola — and an opportunity to hear both local, national and international artists.
In Maldon combine a visit to Cascade Art Gallery and enjoy the work of artists who live and work here in Castlemaine and surrounds — at the centre of the arts in Victoria.
Please carry cash!
There is a standard entry fee for every garden you visit — $5.00 per adult, children enter for free. While we all recognise that we are living in a largely cashless society, please do not assume that all gardeners will have EFTPOS or other digital payment systems on hand. Some may have, but a $5 or $10 note is the easiest way to conduct a small transaction.
Just like the Boy Scouts — BE PREPARED — gardeners will have change, but if every visitor has just been to the ATM and drawn out fifty dollar notes, our ability to accomodate everbody can be challenged.
152 Hargraves Street
A Traditional Goldfields’ Cottage Garden
The garden is evolving all the time.
It consists of a range of rare and unusual plantings, native and introduced. The choice of planting is mainly determined by our dry climate and low rainfall, surface reef and severe lack of top soil.
Martin O’Connor
152 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine
m: 0432 504 759
e: matinoconnor@gmail.com
• Toilet available
• Limited wheelchair access
• Bus groups welcome with advanced notice
• No dogs
• Open Every day
• 10am to 4pm
• $5.00per adult, children free
Antares Iron Art Garden #2
Always a surprise and a delight
Ever expanding beyond its boundaries, this enticing garden of sculptural wonders will intrigue and inspire!
Created of found and re-imagined objects of stone, bone, wood, glass and iron, there is always more to see and explore.
Perched above the Loddon River at Newstead, Antares enjoys wide views of the surrounding landscape, including majestic Mount Franklin.
Featured on Gardening Australia, ep.19: ‘Rusted On’
Roger McKindley
Cnr Punt Rd & Brandt St (Loddon River Rd), Newstead (off Daylesford–Newstead Rd)
m: 0447 229 149
e: rogermckindley@gmail.com
Instagram: @rogermckindley
• Buses welcome — plenty of parking; limited wheelchair access
• No toilet, dogs on leash only
• Open every day Sat 2 Nov to Sun 10 Nov, except Thursday 7 Nov.
• 10.00 am — 5.30 pm (other times by appointment)
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Not your ordinary residential block.
Birdsong #3
A maturing creative quirky residential garden that engages the mind and senses with the use of natives, perennials and annuals.
Winner of the 2022 Open Gardens
Victoria upcycling competition using resources to build a practical shed, deck, fencing, fun artwork and more.
Hidden gems around every corner with engaging places to sit to appreciate the biodiversity the garden has to offer.
Wicking pots are used to grow vegetables and fruit.
Happy chickens contribute to composting.
An artfully designed verge garden that is the talk of the town and must be seen to be believed.
Kerry Herbison and Sharyn Walters 15 Gaffney Street, Castlemaine m: 0425 745 362 | 0425 745 360
• Parking – surrounding streets
• No toilets. NO DOGS
• No wheelchair access, steps and gravel paths
• Open daily from 9am – 4pm
• Plants, heritage tomatoes and garden artwork for sale
• Buses welcome (by appointment)
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Clontarf
A sublime fusion of old exotic trees c.1862 provide lush surroundings for a Castlemaine Historic House and gardens.
Established c. 1862 is the original house, double-storey stables and outhouse cottage on 1.2 hectares.
The garden consists of exotic trees, old gums, new plants including perennials, fruit trees, and a walled vegetable and herb garden with large tanks to collect water and a worm farm.
The borrowed landscape adds significantly to the property including a sandstone walled paddock, once called The Pleasure Garden opposite the Botanical Gardens and next door to beautiful Forest Hall.
• $5.00 per adult, children free #4
Beverly & Anthony Knight
1 Burnett Road Castlemaine m: 0407 974 038
e: beverly@beverlyknight.com.au
• Wheel chair access
• No animals
• Open Sat 2, Sun 3, Mon 4 (closed Tues–Fri)
Open Sat 9, Sun 10 November
• 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
#5
Congdon
A Rural Garden on 10 Acres at Barkers Creek
Rural garden surrounding house, pool studio and veg patch. This unfenced garden is open to all manner of wild life, birds, kangaroos, rabbits, lizards and the occasional snake.
Goldfield Sedimentary soils, skeletal stony slates and sandstone shot through with granite proximal to Mt Alexander.
CANCELLED
All soil has been imported – premium topsoil, mushroom mulch, compost, pea straw, council mulch and dynamic lifter. All household vegetable waste is composted.
Planting terraces made up by using rock found on the block. I plant everything and see what grows and sometimes a microclimate will support a surprise and I replant; after plants fail I move on.
Marie and Maurice Molan
107 Congdon Rd, Barkers Creek m: 0408 130 727
Due to unforeseen circumstances Congdon is not able to open for Festival 2024
I copy what I see growing in gardens in the area, I propagate as much as possible.
In 2021 I installed a tank and pumps to access water from a dam at the bottom of the block.
• Scones and jam and cream available
• Toilet available if necessary
• Wheelchair access with some small limitations
• Fundraising for View Smith Family
• Open Sat 2, Sun 3, Mon 4, Nov (closed Tues–Wed)
Open Thurs 7, Fri 8, Sat 9, Sun10
• 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Eco.Abode Gardens #6
Naturalist and coastal inspired garden with views and a cottage past.
Nestled amongst 30 acres of Nature Trust bushland with views out to Harcourt Valley and Leanganook (Mt Alexander) is Eco.Abode Gardens.
This naturalist native and coastal inspired garden sits atop a heavily sloping block and offers meandering paths and tiered garden beds, balancing indigenous and native flora with glimpses of its cottage style past.
Eco.Abode Gardens is an off-grid property and has been developed to be water conscious - fed only by harvested water from tanks and dams. Fire resilience is a key feature, including a fully landscaped rock garden surrounding a fire storage shelter. While off-grid, Eco.Abode Gardens is not disconnected. The house benefits from smart home features that control and manage most facets of the home and garden.
The garden has been through a large transition over the past 2 years, with its new owners committed to creating a native wonderland amongst the tough conditions of Central Victoria. For this reason, the garden is young, but growing fast and they’re looking forward to having you come on the journey with them, as they grow their knowledge of native plants and landscape design.
Shaun Byrne & Rebecca Covington
297 White Gum Rd, Barkers Creek m: 0402 243 960 & 0421 885 521
• Accessible parking offered, general parking is a short walk
• Toilets upon request. (small old septic)
• Water hazards: A tiny frog pond
• Most of the garden is accessible by wheelchair.
• Some steps and steep slopes
• Open weekends only: 10 am – 4 pm
• Bus groups by appointment
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Forest Edge
Organic Country Garden with Formal and Cottage Aspects..
A large farm garden watered by a dam, with many ideas and features.
A love of all plants makes for garden rooms of roses, irises, self-seeding annuals, perennials, bulbs and trees.
A vegetable garden, an orchard growing soft fruits and nuts, ponds, rock walls.
A ruin of a Hobbit’s Home also adds interest, and areas to sit and take in the delights of a variety of birds which help keep the garden in harmony.
Jill & Graham Hiscock
140 Butchers Rd, Muckleford
tel: 03 5472 3753
• Plants for sale; toilet available; wheelchair access; buses welcome
• Water hazards; no dogs
• Open every day Sat 2 to Sun 10 Nov
• 10.00 am — 4.30 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Togs Cafe & Mulberrys Deli 58-60 Lyttleton St Castlemaine
t: 0354705090
open: 8.30 – 4 daily
Closed Public Holidays
BOOMTOWN WINERY | CELLAR BAR | BISTRO
The Mill | Shed 10 9 Walker Street | Castlemaine
Thursday 11 – 5 | Friday 11 – Late Saturday 11 – 5 | Sunday 11– 5
wine tastings thursday to sunday kitchen open friday and saturday small plates on sunday
t: 0422 479 968
boomtownwines.com.au/bistro
Gabbinbar
Beautiful Peaceful view.
Since last opening with the Festival of Gardens in 2018 this garden has matured and several new areas have been completed.
A bird watching delight, established eucalypts provide the bones of this Mediterranean themed garden. Gravel paths and local sandstone walling add form and structure to an eclectic planting scheme.
Rest and enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Alexander and beyond from the rustic, fully enclosed pavilion and adjoining courtyard whilst the tranquil sounds of water soothe your soul.
A food lover’s paradise awaits in a walled potager and orchard.
Joanne Twycross 66 Weynton Road Castlemaine
• m: 0419 362 689 | e: gabbinba@tpg.com.au
• Plants for sale. Wheelchair access.
• No Toilets, no dogs, water hazards, sloping block with gravel paths and steps.
• Open every day 10.30am to 4.30pm
• Extended opening: Sat 2, Sun 3, Sat 9, 10.30am to 8.30pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Gloucester House
A lovely English style garden
Not far from the main street of Maldon is ‘Gloucester House’. It is a Victorian house with an English style garden featuring gravel paths lined with box hedges.
Garden ‘rooms’ have been created using both privet and lilly pilly hedges. Amongst other cottage plants, there are box balls, pencil pines, shaped standard lilly pillies, roses, lavender, hellebores, salvias, irises, white crepe myrtles and Japanese maples.
In the back garden, an outdoor eating area is defined by a pergola covered in ornamental grape vines. There is also a young Chinese Elm beginning to provide shade from the summer heat. A grassed area features a very useful old-fashioned post and rope clothes line, while a potting bench fits neatly at the end of a guest bedroom studio.
There is also the original old wash house in the back garden. This has now become the garden & wood shed. Inside is the old copper with its chimney, where every year a pair
Robyn & Ken Sturgeon
‘Gloucester House’, 21 Adair St, Maldon
• m: 0418 544 966
• No toilet, no dogs, wheelchair access to most areas (gravel paths)
• Open every day except Wednesday
• 10.00am – 4.30pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
of crimson rosellas makes a nest and rear their young.
The back garden also features an area that has raised vegetable beds bordered with old iron bedheads.
Glovers on Merrifield
A bush setting transformed — AND WE LOVE IT
SITUATED ON THE VERY EDGE of town in a natural bush setting, our infant garden of 2022 has now grown into a vibrant teenage garden.
With the addition of many hundreds of plants, trees and shrubs, there is now a distinct appearance of a maturing garden. The expansive lawns within the different garden areas encourage one to sit and enjoy the sounds of the many birds, the majesty of the large gums, the myriad of plantings and water features. This is a haven for relaxation and renewal! That’s why we LOVE IT.
Kay and Len Glover 13 Merrifield Street, Castlemaine m: 0425 362 450
• Children welcomed but supervised.
• No Toilet; dogs on lead only: water hazards, some steps.
• Open every day of the festival.
• 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Harley in the seventies.
Harley #11
A Classic Victorian Town Garden
The garden of Harley came into the care of the current owners in 2011.
Structure was provided by some mature planting but there were many gaps due to the ravages of the millennium drought.
Over the last 13 years the gaps have been filled and new garden beds created emphasising variety, texture and colour. Adding further interest are ground-cover alternatives to lawn and under-storey planting. This garden showcases a variety of plants that will survive in an environment of clay soil, severe winter frosts and hot, dry summers. Harley is still evolving around the lateVictorian house.
Bronwyn and John Rudolph
116 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine (corner of Berkeley Street)
m: 0400 051 511
• A mainly flat garden but some changes in level. Good parking with shade in Berkeley Street. Seating available. Toilet available
• Wheelchair access: some gravel and steps. Dogs on leads
• Open every day except Thursday 7th November, 10.00am – 4.00pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Relax and enjoy the many sculptures and discover what it’s like at “Haven on Barkers”
Haven on Barkers #12
Haven on Barkers is a five-acre property which has been carved from the rugged Australian bush into a unique paradise: undulating with surprises around every corner, a meandering creek frames the property with elegant gum trees scattered around. Also bulbs and cottage garden perennials, and much more.
To the rear of the property you’ll find a small orchard, comprising stone fruits, quince and pear trees. Flanking both ends of the property are the animal paddocks for goats, a miniature pony and chickens.
Judi Watts & Lou Marsal
8867 Midland Hwy, Barkers Creek
m: 0402 147 269
e: judiwatts50@gmail.com
• Bus groups welcome
• Wheelchair access
• B&B self-contained accommodation available
• No toilets, no dogs, water hazards
• Open every day of the Festival
• 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Hedgehogs
A beautiful, tranquil garden
#13
A delightful large garden with curved sculptural paths, terraces and stone gardens, sculptures and granite ponds and a lawn sweeping to a dam surrounded by iris.
A magnificent food garden with enclosures for fruit and berries. Roses abound. This very peaceful garden is a haven for people and birds.
Margot and Morry Rottem
60 Hagues Road, Barkers Creek m 0409 014 533
e: margot.rottem@gmail.com
• Toilet available
• Plants for sale. Marginal wheelchair access. Picnic area available
• No dogs allowed. Water hazards, young children to be supervised
• Open Sat 2, Sun 3, Mon 4, Tues 5 (closed Wed, Thurs, Fri)
Open again Sat 9, Sun 10 Nov
• 10.00 am to 4.30 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Henle Gardens
Henle Gardens is a hidden green oasis with spectacular views within Maldon’s rugged bushlands
Established in early 2020, this inspiring garden was designed by Joshua Ruff as a place of refuge. A place where all your senses come alive.
See the beauty of nature and local wildlife as you wander through the country cottage garden.
Feel the change in temperature as you explore the fernery.
Enjoy the sound of the trickling water and tranquility as you sit and allow your worries to disappear in the Japanese garden.
Smell the beautiful fragrance of lavender as you stroll through the newly planted field.
Bring your tastebuds alive as you tempt yourself with freshly picked berries, fruit and vegetables from the robust vegetable garden and orchard.
Joshua Ruff 112 Davies Lane, Maldon m: 0466 399 828
e: henle.gardens@gmail.com
• Children welcomed but supervised
• No Toilet; Dogs on Lead only: Water hazards: Some Steps
• Open every day of the festival
• 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Henle is an accessibledesigned garden.
Hillsvue #15
Ideas to inspire in a small, sustainable garden, close to the centre of town.
This is the first year our garden has been open to the public.
Situated in the heart of Castlemaine, on a small suburban block, we have created an attractive, sustainable garden from recycled materials, and plants have been selected for their durability.
Over the last six years, we have met many challenges: poor soil, an uneven terrain (the site used to be a quarry with lots of different levels) and a harsh climate of frost in the winter and dry conditions in summer.
There are many features which may inspire:
Kirsty McIntyre and Damian Callanan
48 Campbell Street, Castlemaine –on the south-west corner of Urquhart and Campbell Streets.
m: 0401 208 842 | e: kmy.gwsc@gmail.com
• Parking is available in Campbell Street
• There are steps and sloping terrain in some parts of the garden but there are handrails and most slopes have a low gradient. Most parts of the garden do not provide access to wheelchairs but it would be possible to enter the garden from a side path and back gate
• Toilet available at the back of the house
• Open every day
• $5.00 per adult, children free
wicking vegetable beds, a wide selection of plants (succulents, hardy natives and exotics), landscaping and terracing with stone and wooden walls, the use of metal structures (for borders and screens) and solutions for irrigation and drainage to capture water.
Plants have been chosen to create a haven for native birds, insects and reptiles and a cool palette of greens, grey/greens and purples creates relaxing spaces.
It’s A Duck’s Garden
A California Bungalow with a Very Productive Garden — and ducks.
Situated on a corner block in a quiet part of Chewton, this sloping ½ acre slice of heaven overlooks the Pyrenees Hwy and takes in borrowed & surrounding views.
In 2007 we bought an empty block, then we relocated a Californian Bungalow house which we completely gutted and rebuilt…
The garden planning took into account the lay of the land, and our needs.
With mulched paths, grassed areas, stone steps & ramps, stone retaining wall, there’s different ways to access various areas depending on what is needed.
The garden is only 13yrs old and is jam packed with many interesting items to see.
It consists of an orchard with espaliered heritage apple trees, veggie patches, some raised, summer berries, duck pen with three ducks & one drake, which free range to the back half of the property.
The garden is productive as well as visual with a variety or ornamental trees, creepers, ground covers, shrubs and garden art.
The property is fenced allowing our two Sheltie dogs & the ducks to share the space together or separate.
Paths that twist and turn taking you to different garden rooms before they open up taking you into another world.
Hedges that give you privacy as well as add another dimension to the place.
We like to use all recycled items as much as possible & believe everything has a second/ third life.
Plants are grouped according to their watering conditions and are hardy and suited to this harsh climate.
We hope you enjoy our garden as much as we do!
Tim Christie & Maria Kalenjuk 12 Pitman St, (cnr) Mitchell St, Chewton m: 0411 959 350 (Maria)
e: mkalenjuk@tpg.com.au
facebook: itsaducksgarden
• For sale: Variety of plants, garden pots, rusty relics, lots of beautiful vases, pottery items, garden products, garden ornaments & accessories
• Buses welcome, free tea & coffee for groups
• No Dogs allowed, ducks roaming around their garden, water hazards
• No Toilets, public toilet available behind Chewton post office
• Slopes, steps, some parts of the garden might be difficult in a wheelchair
• Children welcome under supervision
• Open every day except Wednesday
• Times: 10am -4 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
La Colline #17
A country garden in the foothills of Mt Alexander.
The garden, like the house, dates to 1917 and is nestled in the foothills of Mt Alexander. The property has been at times a stonefruit orchard, an almond orchard and a tomato farm.
La Colline is a country garden with a large orchard and over 200 fruit and nut trees including a young pistachio orchard. An ancient and wonderfully fruitful mulberry tree dating from the early 20c shades the chook pen, planted in the days when there was a silk worm farm on nearby Mount Alexander.
It is a fairly waterwise garden, with many drought tolerant succulents and large trees. Recent plantings are largely Mediterranean – salvia, lavender, rosemary and artichokes. A pomegranate hedge borders the orchard and a young privet hedge is slowly creating a wind break from the south west.
An avenue of 100 Chanticleer pears approaches the house and almost evergreen Winter Glow pears line the west boundary. The pears have been stoic and thrive in spite of a difficult position, the ones on the east side of the drive having their roots submerged in a channel of water for many months at a time each winter.
The original vegetable beds in the north east part of the garden had to be relocated for the swimming pool. They have been replaced by four wicking beds near the tin machinery shed. A citrus grove is settling in around the old shed that has been repurposed as a pergola by the bocce pitch.
Views of the Mt Alexander foothills and the North Harcourt hills can be enjoyed from many aspects of the garden and the two paddocks. Visitors are welcome to walk out to the two dams, one in the north paddock and one behind the house.
Some spectacular granite boulders are scattered around the garden and add scale and a little grandiosity, as does the huge ancient eucalyptus in the south west part of the garden.
In early spring bulbs proliferate and later the many roses come into bloom. Many are quite old
and unidentified, but there are lots of hybrid teas and David Austins from more recent plantings, particularly in salmon, peach and soft pinks. The Albertine on the wood shed wall has triumphed in the last few years and looks as good in winter without her leaves as she does in the full flush of spring with the round pruning that’s been undertaken in the last few years.
There are many young trees that have been planted in the last few years – eucalypts, wattles and other natives and also ashes, elms and maples. Many have flourished and quite a few have not, but tree planting is a compelling past-time when you have the space!
The current owners have respected the work of previous by adapting the garden rather than recreating it and so overall, the garden presents an interesting mosaic of the tastes and land uses of past and current custodians.
Lisa & Neil Arrowsmith
233 Reservoir Road Harcourt North m: 0409 886 061 e: lisa.a@angleyarrowsmith.com
• Toilets will be available on the day and parking will be in the south paddock
• There are steps and uneven ground through the property
• There are two unfenced dams and a fenced swimming pool. Dogs on leads welcome
• Open: Sat 2, Sun 3, Mon 4, Tues 5 (closed Wed,Thurs, Fri) open Sat, 9, Sun10 Nov.
• Times: 10am – 4pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Mossbank Garden
Stunning garden and inspirational ideas.
MOSSBANK is a country cottage garden filled with perennials, salvias, roses, annuals surrounding the mudbrick buildings and stone walls.
On the perimeter of the property native and exotic trees, including white cedars, pinoak, chinese elms, grevilleas and acacias.
Mossbank has many noteworthy ideas: drystone walls, solar water features, espaliered enclosed vegetable garden, orchard, olives and beehives.
The garden has a harmonious array of texture, colour and structure and is also a “Land for Wildlife” property.
Latest additions added to the garden are the greenhouse and green-door garden room.
#18
Judy
&
Peter Sherlock
81 Odgers Road, Castlemaine
Phone: 5470 5041 | Mobile: 0409 021 842 e: mossbank@mossbankcottage.com www: mossbankcottage.com
• Tea, coffee & light refreshments available
• Bus groups welcome
• Wheelchair access
• Art Gallery open
• B&B self-contained accommodation available
• No toilets, no dogs, water hazards
• Open every day
• Times: 10.00 am — 5.00 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Nallparingan
The past and present grown together ‘Nallparingan’ is a large town garden of 1¼ acres around our 1900s home.
Over 25 years we have enjoyed the challenge of developing the area into a family garden with hardy plants that survive the tough soil, harsh climate, rabbits and roos.
Opposite Kaweka Bushland Reserve and nestled in a dead end street, the garden is a relaxed planting mix within stone and brick formal edging.
A century old Algerian Oak dominates the north garden while a Lemon Scented Gum is a standout feature of the south. Old peppercorns dot the property and are home to pardalotes and tawny frogmouths.
Robyn and Frank Lewis
32 Hall St Castlemaine m: 0438 724 025
• Toilet available
• Dogs on leads
• Fenced pool
• Limited wheelchair accessibility over grass and stony paths
• Garden open every day between 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
• $5 per adult, children free
• Proceeds to charity
• Street parking #19
Porcupine Villa
A rustic garden crafted from a harsh environment.
Rock gardens, deciduous trees and a network of paths harbor hardy plants that must survive the extremes of heat and cold.
The addition of cottage and Japanese elements to shady Chinese elms and a large oak tree make this an unusual and charming garden.
The garden has a small vegetable patch as well as a small orchard and features two dams, a ruin, a bridge over the ephemeral creek, a sculpture garden and a wildflower walk. Unusual features include a rustic clock tower and a pirates’ tavern where you can sit and relax.
Margaret Kirby & Mark Wardle | 1234 Fogartys Gap Rd, Maldon m: 0403 451 802 | 0409 800 069 | e: markwardle4@gmail.com
• Toilets available on request
• Wheelchair access to about 50% of the garden and all of the wildflower walk • Some rough paths and steps
• Water hazards for small children, unfenced dams. Dogs on leash only.
• Open every day of the festival, 10.00 am — 4.30 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
The Stolen Garden
WELCOME TO “THE STOLEN GARDEN”
Located at 15 North St Chewton this garden is only just over 4 years old and is planted on the rich Forest Creek alluvial soils (probably still got gold in it ).
This garden is the joining of an Australian native and Mediterranean garden and is still in its infancy, slowly developing over time although it does give an impression of being here for much longer.
Starting with only three trees on the block when the property was purchased in 2018, planting began in 2019.
Due to the harsh conditions ranging from severe frosts in winter to extreme heat in our summers, the plantings are designed to withstand these conditions and we have adopted the attitude that if it doesn’t survive here without constant nurturing, then it shouldn’t be planted here.
Stone walls, gravel paths and wonderful stone slabs create a very natural feel as you wander through the garden. (All the stone was uncovered on the block) foliage is as important as flowering in this garden giving wonderful natural colour and form. Enjoy.
Peter Rotteveel 15 North Street, Chewton m: 0419 539 319
• Parking available at the front of the house or in the vacant block between the house and Forest Creek
• Toilets: available if required
• No wheelchair access in the house but could be manouvered through the gravel garden paths and driveway
• $5.00 per adult, children free
THE GARDEN IN 2018
Stringy Bark Hill
An Expansive Country Sculpture Garden
Catherine and Neil Tait have transformed 3 hectares of neglected overgrazed bushland into a haven of natural bush incorporating an extensive indigenous planting and an artistic garden setting.
The house garden has evolved into a haven of Irises and perennials with interesting flowers that contribute colour throughout the growing season.
Featuring drystone walls, sculpture features and entertainment areas. Planting trees for height and shrubs as structural and background elements.
The plant selection is based on the artist’s colour palate, Violets to the east progressing to the yellow and reds to the north, White, unifying all the colours, creating a harmonious balance.
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Catherine and Neil Tait 1761 Pyrenees Hwy, McKenzie Hill, entrance via Willy Milly Road m: 0419 119 047 | e: ctait@mail.com
• Toilets available
• Dogs allowed but on leash
• There are minimal steps through the front of central garden. There are sloping and gravelled paths making most of the garden diffcult for wheelchairs
• Open Sat 2, Sun 3 (closed Mon–Wed), open again Thurs 7, Fri 8, Sat 9, Sun10
• Times: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
A Tranquil Verge #23
Our garden, an enchanting tapestry of European and native plants, sits across a sloping landscaped corner, culminating in a verge garden along the street side.
An ornamental grape-covered pergola is a cool summer retreat, providing shade and allure. During Spring and Summer the air is alive with the gentle hum of bees, fluttering butterflies, and the hint of fragrances from herbs and flowers.
Roses, faithful companions, grace the garden with blooms from Spring through Autumn. Now in its ninth year, our harmonious garden blends the beauty of two worlds, offering a tranquil escape amidst nature’s vibrant embrace.
Clive Allen & Leeanne Summers
13 Cochrane Court Castlemaine
m: 0409 189 957
e: allsum19@bigpond.com
• Open every day except Wednesday
• Times: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Waddington
Surrounded by hills and bush this 2.8 Acre garden has been developing for seven years.
Paved paths and gravel roads wind through the gardens. Established trees and lawn lead to an acre of gardens full of color and variety.
#24
Carol Waddington
71 Blakeley Road, Castlemaine m: 0429434526
e: waddo_11@hotmail.com
• Parking on roadside at 71 Blakeley Road or outside Rod Shop at 73 Blakeley Road
• Toilets: available if required
• Plants for sale • No dogs
• No wheelchair access in the house but could be manouvered through the gravel garden paths and driveway
• Open every day of the festival
• $5.00 per adult, children free
Cnr Punt Rd & Brandt St (Loddon River Rd), Newstead (off Daylesford–Newstead Rd) — it is best to enter from the Daylesford-Newstead Road rather than through the town. Crossing the ford over the river can be tricky.
IGNORE GOOGLE MAPS and go around to enter via the Daylesford Rd and Brandt Street.
2 Antares Iron Art Garden
DIG Cafe
ASQ Punt Road X
The Theatre Royal is a cultural and historical icon for the arts. This independent cinema and live music venue houses a bar, cafe and garden bar.
Set in the heart of Castlemaine, the Theatre Royal is winner of the best Regional Music Venue, five times running, the theatre hosts some amazing local and international artists. Featuring a program of art-house and new release films, one can sit back in a comfy sofa with a glass of wine and a pizza while enjoying the movie
There is also a bar and bottle shop that has wines from the region, as well as some fine local brews.
open Tues – Sat from 5.30pm bookings: (03) 5472 1196 | 30 Hargraves Street www.bistrolola.com.au
BILL MALTBY has more than 30 years experience in the real estate industry and a wealth of local knowledge. Bill was born and bred in central Victoria. His family had settled in Taradale in 1855. Bill started his Real Estate career with Stuart Real Estate (which was founded in 1950) under the guidance of Mr Jack Stuart and Pauline Holland, both highly respected Real Estate agents.
Experienced and respected Bill is and one of the districts longest serving Auctioneers. He also specializes in Auctions and Clearing Sales. Bill regularly conducts charity auctions to assist local organisations with his experienced and dedicated Auction Team.
“A good Clearing Sale will bring the right results with an Auctioneer who knows the market and the clientele”.
WITH MORE THAN 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN LAND SALES, COMMERCIAL SALES, LEASING AND RESIDENTIAL HOMES, BILL MALTBY IS THE DISTRICT’S MOST EXPERIENCED PROPERTY AGENT & AUCTIONEER.
“We
Black, Gold & Green
At the distinctive sign of Black & Gold!
Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware, in Campbell’s Creek, has an extensive range of plants and gardening supplies: tools, soils, seeds, fertilisers and top quality seedlings and potted plants ready for your garden — and our knowledgeable staff are always ready to help. We also stock a large selection of pots and selected garden furniture pieces.
