Blissful gardens on display for all to enjoy

GARDEN lovers, architecture enthusiasts, local history buffs and those with a passion for art can anticipate a special treat this weekend, with South Gippsland Open Gardens Association holding its inaugural event and raising funds to restore Mt Eccles Hall.

Four gardens will be open both Saturday and Sunday, with one home to ‘Rostrevor’, the long-term house of famous Leongatha identity Hugh McCartin, who built it on what is now the site of Woolworths.

Attendees can enjoy viewing the house from outside, with none of the event’s homes open to the public.

Mr McCartin was a prominent Leongatha businessman and served as shire president, as did the house’s next owner Sir Herbert Hyland.

Current owner of Rostrevor and its impressive accompanying garden, Andrew Bowen, is one of the event organisers.

Joan Smith planted the garden in 1976 after the home was moved to a then empty block in Turner Street, Leongatha.

“She put unusual varieties of roses in, and there are at least 25 different camelias”, Andrew said of what is now his garden.

While wandering the Rostrevor garden, people can admire and buy local artworks, with a display curated by Wooreen artist Meg Viney, a member of the South Gippsland Open Gardens Association.

The works of up to 10 local artists, including Meg’s and Andrew’s, will be on show around the home’s verandah, with sculptures featuring in the garden.

Local chainsaw artist Andrew Noble will demonstrate his craft and sell his works.

Those enjoying the open gardens have the opportunity to see a property described as the best example of Victorian architecture in regional Victoria, situated in Wild Dog Valley.

“It’s a cracker of a house,” Andrew (Bowen) said.

He added that it was well ahead of Ikea, having arrived as a flatpack long before the Swedish store came on the scene, hopefully with clearer instructions.

The house, which sits on local bluestone foundations was lovingly restored by owners Tony and Rae.

While the garden is less extensive than the others, it is striking and affords great views.

Andrew (Bowen) outlined the importance of restoring the unassuming but much-loved Mt Eccles Hall.

“It’s just a little country hall that has got people in the community who use it for a heap of different things, and it’s essential for their wellbeing and happiness,” Andrew (Bowen) said.

“There’s not enough people in their community to maintain it, but it would be a shame to let it go.”

The garden of Mt Eccles Manor, next door to the hall, will be open to the public for the first time in a number of years, with owners Christine and David holding a plant sale and sausage sizzle to boost funds for the cause.

Black Duck Farm is the other open garden, with six or seven acres of whimsical features for the whole family to savour.

It includes a teapot garden, a gnome garden and a mosaic tile wall.

South Gippsland Open Gardens Association sprang up when its founders tried unsuccessfully to join other open garden organisations from the region, being outside their boundaries.

The new association has enjoyed assistance in getting going.

“The council has been supportive and the Leongatha Community House people have been terrific,” Andrew (Bowen) said.

The Community House assisted in obtaining a council grant for the open garden event.

The South Gippsland Open Gardens Association is keen to continue the event annually, with more gardens to become involved in future years.