If there’s one thing gardeners like to do when they’re not gardening, it’s to look at other people’s gardens. Give us half a chance and we’ll do so on the internet, in magazines, on the telly and in newspapers like this one. But the best way to look at a garden is to visit in person. Only then will you be able to experience the unique atmosphere, smell the scents, hear the sounds and get acquainted with the finer details that two dimensional images simply can’t convey.
Every year in our region, a handful of generous souls go out on a limb and open their gardens to the public. Most choose to do so under the banner of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. Odds are you’ll have heard this term bandied around in gardening circles all the time, but how many actually know what the scheme is on about? Here’s a quick rundown, and a profile of three outstanding gardens opening this weekend.
Australia’s Open Gardens Scheme (AOGS) was founded in 1987. It’s a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to “promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening across Australia.” To this end, it coordinates the opening of Australia’s most inspiring private gardens to the public, gardens that would otherwise remain cloaked behind hedges and fences.
A modest entry fee is charged when visiting an open garden. Thirty five percent of this is either returned to the garden owner, or more commonly donated by the garden owner to a favourite charity. Since the scheme’s inception, more than $4 million has been donated to charity. The remaining 65% goes toward running AOGS. Surplus funds available after the scheme’s operating costs are donated to various organisations via annual community grants.
A final word on etiquette. Remember that gardens opening as part of AOGS are generally private properties. Don’t enter the house unless invited, stick to the paths and don’t pick flowers or add to your seed collection. If you’re unsure of a plant name ask the owner for advice. It goes without saying that if you litter when visiting someone’s garden, or urinate in the shrubbery, you’re a total yobbo. Enjoy your visit with a sense of gratitude and respect.
Emaho
Nestled among the lush Ravensbourne countryside, Emaho welcomes visitors with a calm ambience and a subtle Asian influence. The owners of the garden, James and Barbara McGeoch, have had a long involvement in the Queensland horticulture industry, bringing decades of experience to bear in the creation of a working tree farm and garden that lives up to it’s Tibetan name – wonderful and amazing. Features include beautiful ‘Trompenburg’ maples, a Camellia sinensis hedge (tea plant), more than 5000 azaleas and a crabapple forest. The clumping bamboo windbreak is arguably the best example of its kind on the Downs.
Open October 10th to 11th from 10am to 4.30pm. Talks throughout the day, tree removal demonstrations, food and wine for sale. Located at 501 Ravensbourne Dip Road, Ravensbourne. Follow the signs from Esk-Hampton Road, directions from www.emahotrees.com.au. Entry $6, will benefit Peacehaven Botanic Park.
Ferguson Garden
Opening for the first time, the Ferguson Garden at Cabarlah is a family garden bursting with informal charm and expansive views over the Lockyer Valley. Owners Simone and Matthew Ferguson reckon that any success in their garden is a “happy accident” but I’m not sure they give themselves enough credit. Their plants are healthy and despite the garden’s relaxed style, the borders are arranged with considerable skill. Perennials, clematis, Japanese maples, cherries and old favourites like delphinium and poppies make for a welcoming scene. Cottage style gardens are hard to do well, easily becoming finicky. Not the Ferguson garden – it fits like a well worn, but much loved pair of boots.
Open October 10th to 11th from 10am to 4.30pm, entry $6. Plants for sale. Located at 214 Happy Valley Road, Cabarlah. Follow the signs from the New England Highway.
Bass Garden
Geoffrey and Lynnette Bass’s garden at Pittsworth has opened regularly with AOGS and is always well received by both new and returning visitors alike. It flourishes despite the challenging Pittsworth climate, which is hot in summer and frosty in winter, and contains a mix of the familiar and unusual. Visitors will recognise David Austin roses for example, but plants like the lesser known Alister Clark roses and even variegated Jacarandas will arouse plenty of interest. Highlights include a stunning Petrea-draped walkway and an excellent vegie patch.
Opening in conjunction with the Pittsworth Craft and Fine Food Spectacular, including a quilt display. October 9th to 11th, 9am to dusk. Located at 4 Coop Street, Pittsworth. Entry $6, will benefit Careflight.
First published in The Chronicle 10th October 2009. Photos by Justin Russell.
