Gardens to the rescue!

FOUR local gardens will open to the public for the 2024 Heathcote Open Gardens Trail on Saturday 2 November.

The event has been organised by the SES Heathcote Unit.

“All money raised will go towards the new 4WD Rescue Truck fundraising project,” said Deb Williams from the SES, who will open her garden for the event.

“We have a range of garden ages from a very young one, just two years old to a 90-year-old garden which has recently undergone a regeneration.

“It’s really not about picture perfect gardens but about the journey and the evolution of the gardens.

“We’re preparing a lovely little vignette about each garden as part of the brochure visitors will be given when they come on the day.”

Garden One is located at 20 Robinson Street, Garden Two at 2/4 Caldwell Street, Garden Three at 8 Barrack Street and Garden Four at 250 Forest Drive.

“There will be a raffle with lots of prizes, with tickets available at each garden gate,” said Ms Williams.

“There will also be seedlings and seeds for sale and even a bit of a wine tasting at Devil’s Cave winery.

“Some of the gardens were affected by floods and all are works in progress. It’s all about the story behind each garden.

“We visited Gaye and Steve Johnson’s garden in Spring 2012 and it’s where we got some of the inspiration for our own blank canvas.

“It’s just coming back to life now, with the last of the blossom trees are blooming and moving to leaf bud.

“In another three weeks it will be in full bloom with over 70 roses blooming their Melbourne Cup Day best and the pergola will have full leaf cover too.”

Visitors can enter the garden trail at any garden with the entry fee payable at the first garden.

Entry is $15 per person or $10 with a valid concession card, for all four gardens. The gardens will be open from 10am to 4pm.