By Jesse Graham
GARDEN enthusiasts are being called on to see what’s behind the hedges at one of Healesville’s historic properties, with Graceburn Gardens (formerly named Congleton) opening its gates on Saturday.
From 10am to 4pm on Saturday 15 October, the gardens at 454 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, will be open to the public as part of a fund-raiser for Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge.
Organised by resident Margaret Allard, the $5 door price will be donated to the Rainbow Bridge, an organisation that rehabilitates animals and runs children’s programs.
Ms Allard said she came up with the idea after visiting the Rainbow Bridge’s gardens, and got in touch with the gardens’ and organisation’s representatives from there.
Graceburn Gardens owner Christine Shiel said the property was celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and that the hedge was just as old.
She said that she had been at the property for three years, working to restore it and its gardens to their former glory.
“We’re aiming to reclaim the original design,” she said.
“I would say it’s a cottage garden – it’s in the arts-and-crafts style.”
Ms Shiel said it was a “landmark property”, with “rainforest-sized” plants that were about 70 years old.
She said many passers-by had a keen interest in the property and what was behind the hedges, so much so that visitors sometimes stopped by to see.
“For us, it’s an opportunity to show people … what’s behind the hedge,” she said.
A plant sale will also be held on the day.
