Two spectacular private gardens will be on display in Drysdale as part of Open Gardens Victoria’s 10th anniversary spring season.
Graceburn and Red Gums will open their doors to the public in a celebration of sustainability and native garden design on 25 and 26 October between 10am and 4.30pm.
Though both gardens bear the mark of renowned landscape designer Sam Cox, who designed Red Gums and Graceburn’s freshwater swimming pool and surrounding area, they present very different visions of what Australian gardens can be.
During the past 19 years, Graceburn owners Kate Lockhart and Justin Grace have transformed two of the property’s two hectares from degraded horse paddocks into a thriving, sustainable garden.
Ms Lockhart is an agricultural scientist and the latest in five generations of country gardeners, while Mr Grace’s background in engineering meant he brought both creativity and technical capability to the mix.
“Our garden is very much about building an environment that is engaging to our friends and family,” she said.
“(There is) joy in sharing your garden, not just on open days, but also with parties, on weekends, with every visitor.”
Focused on local indigenous species, habitat restoration and sustainable living, the garden features extensive indigenous and native plantings that create a bustling habitat for wildlife and a productive orchard of more than 80 fruit trees.
It also includes bush tucker plantings, sculptures created from found and reused materials and spaces designed for play and entertainment, such as the wood-fired hot tub and a rammed earth pavilion.
Visit opengardensvictoria.org.au/coming-open-gardens for more details.
