Open for fair

By Kath Gannaway
THE beautiful Lubra Bend property at Yarra Glen will be the focus of a gathering of plants-people from around Victoria and interstate later this month.
On the weekend of 27 and 28 February, Australia’s Open Garden Scheme will hold its annual Plant Fair bringing together about 40 exhibitors for an extraordinary plant sale.
The fair is a first for the Yarra Valley and a unique opportunity to purchase perennials, rare trees and shrubs, Australian natives, bulbs and succulents, as well as sculpture and specialist tools.
It is also an ideal opportunity for gardeners to meet and talk with expert growers of the most interesting and unusual plants, and to find something out of the ordinary.
Lubra Bend itself is a fascinating garden which brings together traditional and contemporary elements with real flair.
Within the 50-year-old cypress hedges is an exceptionally exciting new Australian plant garden designed by Phil Johnson, complete with massive rocks, water and a billabong.
The house is surrounded by a mature country garden with perennial borders, shrubberies, croquet lawn, flourishing vegetable garden and small orchard.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Lubra Bend is at 136 Simpson Lane, off the Healesville-Yarra Glen Road.
The garden will be open from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is $10 with children under 18 years old admitted free.
For more information visit www.opengarden.org.au.