Wedderburn Open Garden Day Sunday 23 October

Published on 14 October 2016

Six enticing – and different – private gardens will welcome visitors later this month when the revived Wedderburn Open Gardens showcases the passions of local “green thumbs”.

Planned for Sunday 23 October, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, the event has been organised by the Wedderburn Community House to support the Wedderburn Lions Club Aged Care Fund. With three new gardens opening this year, some for the first time.

“Some years ago, the local kindergarten ran a similar event, but we wanted to do something to support the Lions Club’s efforts,” Mrs Raftis said.

The six open gardens this year are:

• Debbie and Peter Ramsdale’s tropical-themed garden, featuring different varieties of bamboo and palms, an aviary of exotic birds and a Balinese-type gazebo
• Jenny Round’s well-established garden providing the backdrop for a number of her metal sculptures
• Alex and Tony Holt’s landscaping work, including mosaics, water features and her artwork pieces
• Vic and Adelaide Onopko’s native garden, incorporating the different “garden rooms”, mosaics and artworks
• Julie Ritchie and Jon Chandler’s property, framed in a bushland setting, featuring the use of Kilburnie stone to make striking steps, garden edging and ponds.
• Wendy Smith and Owen Rule’s cottage-style garden, with succulents, hardy perennials and “garden rooms” to add to the interest.

“Expo patrons will also be welcome to wander through the grounds of the community centre and inspect our community garden,” Mrs Raftis said.

“That same weekend, we are organising a Spring Rock and Roll dance at the Mechanics Institute in Reef St, featuring local band ‘501’ and including supper.

“That’s planned for Friday 21 October from 8pm to midnight.

“Adult entry is $20, students $10 and families $55. Bring BYO drinks and tickets are available from the Wedderburn Community House or at the door.

“We held the same event last year and had three rock and roll clubs and about 200 people attend.”

The Loddon Visitor Information Centre has taken the opportunity to encourage expo patrons to take in more of the town’s attractions while in the area.

Staff have suggested a walk through Wedderburn's original primary school and its Eucalyptus Discovery Centre, the “Poo 2 Plate” community garden, Coach House Gallery and Museum, Hard Hill Tourist Reserve (with its working eucalyptus stew pot) and the Kangaroo Sculpture Chair.

The visitor centre has organised a lucky draw for participants in the Wedderburn Open Gardens, the prize being a hamper of the Loddon Valley’s gourmet produce.

A fee of $15 permits entry to all six gardens, plus Devonshire tea. For bookings, phone 5494 3489 or further information visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au