St Mary’s opens its gates again this weekend

This delightful country garden with its hundreds of roses is a fitting location for the annual Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair and it is all happening this weekend.

Established in 1937, the Mulligan family has created an impressive property, with the garden taking centre stage. Over the years, plants and bulbs suitable for the soil and climate have been planted, and now hundreds of roses, bulbs, iris, hardy perennials, trees and shrubs surround the classic homestead and outbuildings, adding colour and texture throughout the year. However, in this garden, it is the Rose that is Queen!

The owners have used sandstone rock and plate from a quarry on the property as if it were Nature’s Lego, skilfully and painstakingly constructing many metres of drystone walling, pathways, ornaments, ramps, plinths, platforms and in the front paddock, an outstanding trilogy of tree rings.

A passion for fresh seasonal produce has led the owners to create a substantial kitchen garden in what was once a sheep’s yard. Using permaculture principles, a range of fruits and vegetables are grown both in raised beds and in the ground, with arches for apples and tomatoes, which make decorative and functional features. A shade house is used for growing seedlings and propagating plants.

St Mary’s Vineyard will be an ideal 2024 Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair setting.

A diverse range of talented artists, trades and specialist growers will exhibit everything from bulbs to trees, natives to exotics, garden arts, trades, food stalls, wine tasting, refreshments and children’s activity area.

GARDEN DETAILS:

Address: 563 V & A Lane, Penola.

Open: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024, 10am to 4.30pm.

We encourage visitors to bring cash as EFTPOS facilities are not always available.

Garden Highlights: LIMESTONE COAST PLANT AND TRADE FAIR: Plant and Trade fair, plant stalls, cooking demonstration, metal work, drystone walling, garden ornaments, food, coffee, wine tasting and sales, children’s activities. Mediterranean planting, many roses, perennials, vegies, stone walling constructed by owners from stone quarried on property. Fantastic, huge vegie garden.

Extra Activities: Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair. Market stalls including plants. Dry stone walling demonstrations.

Garden Size: 4 acres.

Directions: Head west out of Penola on Clays Wells Road for 13kms. Turn right onto Rifle Range Road, continue for 4.5kms then turn left onto V&A Lane. Continue for 2.5kms – the garden entrance is on the right.