Cup runneth over with open days

IF there is anything better for garden lovers than a weekend of open gardens, it’s three days of open gardens.
On the weekend of 2930 October and on Cup Day, Tuesday 1 November, two Coldstream gardens, Valley View and the Wallace Garden, will be open as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme.
The Upper Yarra Garden Club will also have eight gardens on display from Seville to Warburton.
John and Judy Thompson’s Valley View at 21 Boundary Road is a beautiful garden in a parkland setting with an orchard and vineyard.
Christine and Colin Wallace’s garden at 7 Maddens Lane is another “country” garden with a host of features including the cherry walk, herb and vegetable gardens and espaliered fruit trees.
At both these gardens you can enjoy a delicious bite to eat as you feast your eyes on spectacular views. The Coldstream CFA, Coldstream Animal Aid and Cancer Council will benefit from visits to these gardens, which are open from 10am to 4.30pm.
In the Upper Yarra, a diverse selection of eight gardens will be open from 10am to 5pm with refreshments available at each. Each of the coolclimate gardens is a unique reflection of its owners’ gardening knowledge and enthusiasm and all owners will be happy to answer questions from visitors.
A new initiative this year is a 2006 calendar featuring members’ gardens which is included in the entry fee. A separate flyer and location map with a brief description of each garden is also available.
Tickets are available for the eight gardens, or individual gardens and the calendar can be bought separately. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.
Contact Kevin on 5966 2828 or Barbara on 5967 1158 for further information.
In total, there are 10 Yarra Valley gardens open over the long weekend that’s three gardens on Saturday and Sunday and four on Cup Day … easily achievable for enthusiastic garden lovers.