SPRING FROM THE STORM Narelle Groenhout
On one wild winter night in June this year, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region experienced an extraordinary storm that wreaked devastation across the district.
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nusual south-easterly winds blew at over 90 kilometres per hour for more than 12 hours, flattening large tracts of forest, with enormous, downed trees keeping some towns isolated and without power for days. But we are resilient and have rebounded quickly, and our communities welcome visitors as we emerge from the fog of winter and embrace the beauty that spring has to offer. Gardens start to bud and daffodils, the symbol of rebirth and hope, bloom in fields and gardens around the region, proving that weathering the storm is possible. There are so many beautiful sights to see and memories to be made. Only a short drive from Melbourne, visits are perfect for smelling the roses - literally.
Daylesford Macedon Life | 14
The Spring Hill Peony Farm opens its peony paddock gates for ten days in November. To access the paddock, there is a 2 km return walk along tree-lined farm laneways which brings you to a field of magnificent blooms, beautifully cared for by owners Mac and Nicky Barry. Once there, you get to admire and pick the peonies. Bookings are essential and you'll need to bring your own bucket and secateurs. Check the website for dates on the 1st of November each year. Across in Drummond, Lee Dingles’ Belle âme (beautiful soul) Flower Farm specialises in old-fashioned blooms reminiscent of yesteryear, when it was unheard of to put wild flowers and vegetables in a bouquet. Set on 12 acres, flowers are picked and available at the farm gate stall open most weekends from October to May with an honesty box in place.
We recommend having some coins at the ready, as there are so many delightful treats and produce available when you drive across the region. Perched in roadside boxes around the district, you'll find eggs, flowers, organic veggies and even the occasional bag of organic, veggie patch horse poo! While in Drummond North, experience the incredible healing power of horses. Imagine sitting in a beautiful paddock with rolling hills to look over, sipping chai tea around a crackling fire surrounded by a majestic herd of horses. Two hours spent quietly in nature exploring mindfulness and meditation techniques whilst alongside the horses. The sessions are led by Rachel Gibson from Heart of the Horse and are pure bliss.
