By Luke Voogt
Animal-loving Newtown octogenarian Catherine Gray is inviting the public to her “secret garden” at Claremont, a historic property her family have owned for 120 years.
Catherine will throw open the gates for the first time in eight years to raise money for Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) next month.
“People have often asked me when I’m going to have the garden open because they love to come and see it,” she said.
“People don’t have gardens now – so that’s why they love to go to a garden of the past.
“Children like it because there’s lots of little paths and things where they can run around.”
Engineer Andrew McWilliams designed the now heritage-listed Claremont in 1857 for Geelong grocer William Blair.
Catherine’s grandfather, then owner of the Albion Woollen Mills, bought the Newtown property in 1900 and it has remained in the family since.
“My grandparents lived here when they first married,” she said.
“I’ve been here for over 60 years. It’s got a lot of history but it’s part of me, I suppose, I’m used to it.”
A former nurse at The Alfred hospital, Catherine now tends her colourful garden and glasshouse full of begonia, although she admits hiring a little help.
“I do have a gardener but I do what I can,” she said.
The avid cat and dog lover, who shares Claremont with pet tabby Jim, said she was once on GAWS’ committee for 15 years.
“I’ve always been a supporter of GAWS.”
Claremont opens from 10am to 4.30pm on March 14 and 15. All proceeds go to GAWS. For information: opengardensvictoria.org.au
