Green gardens turn to gold

By Kath Gannaway
TWO Warburton gardens will reveal their autumn splendour this weekend … and much more!
By the Water, Sue and Stan Slusarek’s green oasis on the Ythan Creek, and Wilton Park, the creation of Peter Sexton and David Wilson, are open as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme.
Wilton Park, set on 1.6 hectares, is described as “a gardener’s garden”.
It features many rare plants, a colourful double perennial border and numerous garden rooms.
A silver birch copse with woodland plants and weeping Japanese maples provide stunning autumn colour.
It is the first time visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy the five years of devoted work which has gone into creating it. Ythan Creek was the catalyst for By the Water which is described as “an artists’ garden”.
With an island, constantly burbling water, pathways, bridges and other surprises, it is a water wonderland.
Foliage takes centre stage in many parts of the garden with hostas, begonias, ferns, succulents and other leafy plants.
The garden has uninterrupted views up the fairway of the adjoining golf course to the mountains and features many trees selected for their autumn colour – silver birch, Japanese maples, Manchurian pear, copper beech, dogwoods and a rare claret birch among them.
With the creek as a permanent, natural water feature, the garden is always alive with movement.
An art show and sale will add to the colour at By the Water over the weekend and proceeds of the open garden will go to the Warburton CFA.
The two gardens, By the Water at 8 Dammans Road and Wilton Park at 29 Yuonga Road complement each other beautifully.
The gardens will be open from 10am to 4.30pm on 19 and 20 April.