Gardens open across Drysdale

TWO Bellarine gardens will welcome visitors next weekend as part of Open Gardens Victoria’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Taking place on October 25 and 26, Drysdale gardens Graceburn and Red Gums will be open to the public.

Red Gums was first opened in 2018 and was one of the first gardens to be part of the annual event, since then the space has continued to grow and evolve.

Owners Winsome and Rob Vernieux have a love for the Australian bush, a love that is reflected throughout their property.

“We wanted a garden that was peaceful and a pleasure to spend time in,” Ms Vernieux said.

“One that soothed the soul and did not demand constant attention.

Red Gums’ remnant euctalytus trees have been permanently protected under a Trust for Nature covenant. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

“Most importantly, a garden that complements the beautiful old red gums and supports native wildlife.”

The garden features more than 150 types of Australian plants and plenty of open areas surrounding plants and rock work.

A focal point within the garden is an old Moreton Bay Fig Tree, which is around 140 years old.

Red Gums was designed by landscape designer Sam Cox as one of his first projects after establishing his own practice.

“The owners brief was to incorporate the existing Eucalyptus camaldulensis that share an old creek bed and three billabongs,” he said.

“Our design shaped the land with basalt outcrops and generous moundings, planting densely with over 150 native species, including Acacia, Banksia, Grevillea and native grasses suited to the region’s dry climate.

The Red Gums property was first opened in 2018 and features more than 150 types of Australian plants. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

The Graceburn garden will join in the Open Gardens celebrations with its strong emphasis on indigenous species and sustainability.

Across 19 years, owners Kate Lockhart and Justin Grave have turned the once-barren horse paddocks into a two-acre garden.

Ms Lockhart said the plants in the garden needed to be hardy.

“Local indigenous plants have been the obvious choice for cost-effective, efficient revegetation.

One of the main features of the Graceburn Garden is its freshwater swimming pool. Photo: SUPPLIED

“They give the best opportunity for survival and attracting wildlife back into the garden.”

Graceburn’s Garden highlights include a freshwater swimming pool, a DIY wood-fired hot tub, sculptural garden elements, bush tucker plantings and more.

Both gardens will be open from 10am until 4.30pm for the two days of Open Gardens.

For tickets and more information, head to opengardensvictoria.org.au