Phillip Johnson will present a lecture on sustainable gardens.
AFTER a long, cold winter, the Dandenongs will usher in spring with a community festival.
This year’s Spring Fest builds on the success of last year with more festival days for the family, ‘secret’ open-gardens for the enthusiast, and food and wine events for those who like to indulge a little.
Launching Spring Fest this year is an evening with leading horticulturalist Wes Flemming, 2010 Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner, at Sky High on 9 September.
There will also be a spring fashion show held by Lyrebird Linens and Mallalieu from Coach House. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 1800 645 505.
A gardening roadshow at Cloudehill is something new to the festival this year. Experts will be hosting question and answer sessions on Sundays for five weeks from 26 September. Entry is $10.
This year’s compelling lecture series includes Melbourne International Flower and Garden Best of Show winner Phillip Johnson on sustainable gardens, walking tours with rare plant expert Tim Orpin at historic Kenloch Gardens and more.
Call Cloudehill on 9751 1009 for tickets.
Open Gardens are a less formal chance to admire the Dandenongs’ enchanting private grounds on the weekends of 23 and 24 and 30 and 31 October. Entry is $6 with proceeds to the CFA. Spring sunshine means it’s time to get the kids out of the house and enjoy some family days.
Thomas the Tank Engine will be at Emerald Station on 23 and 24 October.
SkyHigh children’s activity week is on from Sunday 26 September, and Tesselaar Tulip Farm has ‘discover the fun’ days on 29 and 30 September featuring craft workshops, cute and slimy animals, entertainers and, of course, tulips.
After all that excitement outdoors, people can refuel with Luscious Lunches during the weeks of 4 to 8 and 11 to 15 October.
Participating cafés and restaurants will adopt an ‘edible garden’ theme.
Just $30 gets diners two courses and a glass of wine. For decadence-lovers there’s also a series of Decadent Dinners at top restaurants. For full Spring Fest details, visit www.inspiringinspring.com.au.
