Gardens bloom for autumn

GEMBROOK’S first Open Gardenfest event promises to be a spectacular display of colour when five gardens are open to the public on 2 April.
The event has been initiated by Joyce and Laurie Begg.
Mr Begg said Gembrook’s slightly cooler and wetter climate and quality soils mean many of the cool climate plantings will provide a rich autumn display.
Early camellias may even be spot flowering and most lawns will be greening up from autumn rains and lower temperatures.
“We have gardens in Gembrook that rival anywhere else in Victoria.
The Open Gardenfest will be showcasing the beautiful area we live in and the environment which generates such magnificent gardens,” Mr Begg said.
“Importantly, the event will also be raising funds for the Gembrook CFA — often the protectors of our area and gardens,” he said.
The Open Gardenfest begins at 10am and operates until 5pm giving gardening enthusiasts plenty of time to enjoy the wide range of open gardens.
The gardens are:
*The awardwinning sixacre property Barrowhurst owned by John and Joanne Torpy;
*Sue Jarvis and Ian Bennett’s 10acre garden in Blackwood Road;
*Keith and Glenys Livingston’s sixacre property Carinya in Livio Drive; and
*The younger town gardens of Cherie Forrester in Station Road and Alan and Yvonne Bennett in Gembrook Park Road.
Kickstarting the day will be Greg Garratt’s begonia collection displayed at the Gembrook Fire Station where visitors purchase their Gardenfest passes costing $10 per adult, which will give entry to all five gardens.
For more details on the Gardenfest contact Yvonne on 5968 1080.