THREE different but magnificent gardens in and around Bendigo will be open to the public next weekend.<\/p>\n
The Central Victorian Goldfields Garden Trail, organised by Open Gardens Victoria, is set to bloom on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November.<\/p>\n
The first property, Clontarf, is an 1862 Homestead in Castlemaine which features cool colours, subtle foliage, and ornamental water.<\/p>\n
Flora Hill is the location of the second garden, which demonstrates what can be created on a suburban block with garden rooms, outdoor living spaces, and sculptures.<\/p>\n
The final location is Hedgehogs in Barkers Creek just outside Harcourt and is owned by Margot and Morry Rottem.<\/p>\n
The pair have owned the property for 32 years, starting from nothing to create a tranquil setting which attracts birds and other wildlife.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was really nothing here and it was an old farm, so we started with a relatively small garden,\u201d said Ms Rottem<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we wanted to do was have a garden where there was a feeling of peace, a place for lots of birds and where we could grow food.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen it developed and we have various areas where there is no water, a very big food growing area and quite a large pond designed by Gordon Ford.\u201d<\/p>\n
The garden has an aspect of mystery with different areas to uncover and a water feature on every side of the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s got sneak areas, so you never see the whole garden at once and walk around the path and see another bit of garden,\u201d said Ms Rottem.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the idea of surprises in a garden and hate straight lines.\u201d<\/p>\n