Lisa Dennis
The highly anticipated 18th biennial Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens kicks off tomorrow, Saturday October 24 and runs through to Tuesday November 3 (Melbourne Cup Day).
A challenging start to the year, with blistering heat, followed by fires, caused several gardeners to withdraw from the festival – unsure of whether they would recover enough to put on a good show.
Organisers are, however, thrilled to showcase six new gardens and 13 old friends that continue to evolve, inspire and delight.
Among the magnificent gardens to feature will be ‘Granite Garden’ which is nestled on the foothills of Mount Alexander and was fortunately unscathed when fire ravaged nearby Harcourt and the Mount.
Owners Mike Elith and Dean Swanson are no strangers to the festival having previously participated at their former property in Fords Road.
The couple have been proud custodians of ‘Granite Garden’ since late 2019 and over the last six years have painstakingly extended the gardens around their home into an expansive oasis.
“The garden has previously featured in the festival but those who have visited before may find it is barely recognisable. We have reworked the design to show greater cohesion where undulating paths unite new and previously established gardens with generous open green spaces,” Mike said.
The garden boasts dramatic granite outcrops and terraced gardens which are host to a ‘riot’ of native and exotic flora.
Informal plantings moderate other hedged elements with an avenue of Silver Birch surrounding the garden’s crowning jewel, a six-hundred-year-old Red Rivergum. Scattered throughout the gardens are also stunning sculptures created by Mandurang artist Andre Sardone.
Behind the home a gorgeous shade arbor provides a space where visitors can enjoy the serene sounds of a waterfall and Dean’s beautiful bonsai collection.
“I’ve had a fascination for bonsai for years and now pass on my knowledge to others keen to explore the traditional Japanese art,” he said.
The property also features a vineyard with the couple producing their own ‘Granite Garden’ cabernet sauvignon with the expert help of the team at Welshmans Reef Winery.
The pair will have plants and bonsai for sale throughout the event so you can take home your favourite plantings for your own garden.
This year there is also a unique opportunity to visit the studios and galleries that this region is famous for as more than 30 artists will open their doors on the weekends. Artists to feature including Harcourt’s own Katherine Seppings and Castlemaine artist Sir Leslie Thornton.
Details are available in the program. Pick up yours at the garden gate or Castlemaine Visitor Centre.
Festival goers are asked to note all gardens will be closed for a refresh on Wednesday October 28.
Entry to each garden is $5 per adult, children free. Payment is by cash, direct to the gardener at the gate.
For more visit www.festivalofgardens.org