Gardens to open in all their spring glory

THREE gardens in Redesdale will be open to the public on the weekend of 19 to 20 October as part of the Open Gardens Victoria program.

Coliban Springs, Gibbards Crossing, and Rocklands will be open from 10am to 4.30pm both days.

Coliban Springs, at 866 Coliban Park Road, is a tranquil five-acre garden, set in the middle of a wider 200-acre sheep property.

Owners Kathy Hall and Rod Gibson have spent almost 20 years creating an oasis from a bare paddock.

“We have very hot, dry summers and frosty winters,” said Ms Hall. “From the beginning, we planned a drought-resistant garden filled with mostly natives.

“We have no straight lines. Gravel paths meander from one room to another, where there is usually a place to sit and watch or a little sculpture to contemplate.”

Most of the plants in the garden were grown from cuttings or seeds proven to thrive in the tough environment.

The Xanthorrhoea garden sits within the Casuarina forest. The grass trees were planted from seeds collected in 2006.

Other highlights include a kitchen garden, a wedding terrace, a native grass circle garden, two circular lawns, a lake-viewing area, and a vine-shaded entertainment area.

Children can enjoy the chickens, the fishpond, and pet sheep, while bird lovers are also in for a treat with over 80 species spotted at the property.

Gibbards Crossing, at 46 Gibbards Lane, is a three-acre garden nestled within the undulating hills of the local landscape.

Surrounded by a 40-acre olive grove and vineyard, with a one-kilometre river frontage on the Campaspe, the property is named after the old bluestone river ford at the end of Gibbards Lane.

Owners Frederika and Mark Laurie bought the property eight years ago and set about renovating the original bluestone homestead and rejuvenating the property’s soil.

Organic compost, mulch, fertiliser, and an advanced irrigation system have ensured a flourishing garden of established trees and striking mass plantings, set against locally sourced stacked stone walls.

Highlights include the kitchen garden bursting with herbs and citrus trees, and a fully enclosed vegetable garden mass planted with garlic, chillies, and tomatoes for preserving.

An enclosed area for fruit trees also houses the chickens in a fun log cabin made from repurposed vineyard posts.

“The garden hums with diverse bird life and the busy buzz of bees,” said Ms Laurie. “We encourage visitors to enjoy walks and picnics by the Campaspe River or at the Monticule Lookout.

“The panoramic view across the rolling hills is truly spectacular.”

Sitting high above the Campaspe River at 632 Nth Redesdale Road, Rocklands is a rambling five-acre garden created by owners Peta and Gary Prendergast over the past ten years.

With views across an expansive lawn area towards the river valley, the garden uses volcanic rock, to create low walls along meandering paths, as well as backdrops and edging for plant beds.

Paths wind in and out beneath 30-year-old English oaks, planted by the original owners of the property.

Perennial beds feature mass plantings of blue and white agapanthus, swathes of pink and white belladonna lilies in late summer, and purple iris in spring.

The house garden showcases a mix of roses, bulbs, and seasonal plants.

Open Gardens Victoria is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation promoting the benefits of gardens and gardening for all Victorians.

Tickets are $10 per garden, students $6, and under 18 free. They are available at the gate or on online: Gibbards Crossing, Coliban Springs, and Rocklands.