Gardens in all their glory

Jose and Graham Elsegood from Don Valley in their show garden. 159604 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Jodie Symonds

WHAT better way to get some inspiration for your next garden project, than to visit the Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club’s Open Garden Weekend on 1 and 2 October.
The annual event will feature five stunning cool-climate gardens between Don Valley and Warburton.
Each garden has a unique feel and offers a different experience with wide array of beautiful landscaping and flora.
One of the properties featured will be ‘Ewartvale’, a one-hectare piece of beautiful land that backs onto the boundary of Don River.
Christabel Park in Yarra Junction has a park-like feel and a relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re enticed by some Devonshire tea, then Len and Dina McLean’s property in Yarra Junction is perfect for you.
They will also be selling a variety of flowers and all proceeds will be forwarded to Upper Yarra Secondary College’s chaplaincy fund and to Benwerrin Women’s Refuge.
Kerry and Edward Tanner’s property in Warburton has a wonderful blend of traditional plants with flowing native shrubs to attract wild birds.
A Warburton garden owned by Jenny and Glenn Gersbach has a combination of bright colours and rusty bits and bobs.
Signs to the gardens will be placed along Warburton Highway, and refreshments, a plant stall and gardening books will be available at various gardens.
Tickets cost $20 to access all five gardens, $5 per person for one garden and children under the age of 16 are free.