Gardens in native glory

FOUR native gardens will be on show for the Australian Plant Society Heathcote’s second annual Open Gardens Day on 29 October.

All proceeds from the day will go towards the Heathcote Native Gardens Project.

“There is a great selection of gardens,” said Tania Biagioni, secretary of the APS. “They range from newer plants and gardens to others that have been established for up to 30 years.

“The plants are native to the Heathcote region and will give visitors lots of ideas on what to plant in their own gardens, and where.”

River Gum Place at 43 Heenans Lane, is owned by Allan and Lorraine Tinker.

“We have owned this property for seven-and-a-half years and have planted a good number of native plants,” said Mr Tinker,

“Some have matured but some are still quite young. We have 12 acres bordering the McIvor Creek on one side, with River Red Gum the predominant native tree on the property.

“There is also a dam with a floating garden.”

Tiny but Mighty at 17 McMahon Street is owned by Mel and Norm Matyson.

“We bought our country dream home two years ago,” said Ms Matyson. “My dream was always to have a native garden with habitat areas and to use as much recycled material as possible.

“It’s a peaceful place to sit and enjoy a cuppa, a work in progress already attracting bees, birds, frogs and the odd lizard.”

Senior Garden, owned by Elizabeth and Glynn Murfitt, is at 29 Burns Court.

“We bought this ex-sheep grazing property 30 years ago,” said Ms Murfitt. “It has been dedicated to nature, planted with local trees and shrubs and the wildlife is flourishing.”

Finally, Perfection is in the Imperfection is owned by Nancy and Peter Miller and located at 28 Burns Court.

“Established over 20 years ago, trees and shrubs are lovingly tended to encourage local wildlife,” said Ms Miller.

“The garden includes some failures and many successes. It is a beautiful garden and we are constantly planting and improving.”

Access to all gardens is $5 per person or $10 for families and they will be open from 10am to 2pm.