Usually the preserve of wedding parties and school groups, Narmbool homestead’s garden will be open to the public on Sunday, November 22.
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The historic property – operated by Sovereign Hill – has a broad variety of plants, with a carefully-maintained European garden surrounding the homestead.
Robin Ferry, who donated the property to Sovereign Hill in 2000, said a day in the garden could be part of a post-Ballarat Cup recuperation.
“People enjoyed having a peaceful time (at last year’s open garden), it’s just a really restful place,” she said.
“Right now the garden is sumptuous and in full early-summer bloom, with lots of nice green lawns.”
The property’s native plants and animals that bring school groups will be bolstered by a birds of prey display from Martin Scuffins.
Right now the garden is sumptuous and in full early-summer bloom
- Robin Ferry
Ms Ferry said they were happy to throw open the gate.
“(It will be) nice to have lots of different people who are interested in gardens come and have a really nice day,” she said.
“We’ve got enough space for people to spend all day (here).”
Ms Ferry underlined the attraction for the whole family, with the property used to appealing to adults – at the weddings on every weekend – and children, with the environmental programs.
“Education officers will be here with an exhibit, as part of our environmental education work, and the cottage round the back of the house, which has an interpretive display in to the history of Narmbool, will be open,” she said.
“There is also the precinct for part of the environment education programs out here, where students can look at the frogs and tadpoles and things.”
The giant snail sculptures and lake were always a hit with youngsters as well, she said.
For the garden enthusiasts there will be plenty to see.
The original homestead sits in a European garden but the property also has a large amount of native plants.
“(The European garden) complements the house, which is a 19th century house, and then further away there are more Australian plants,” said Ms Ferry.
Keeping with the conservationist theme, Ms Ferry said Mr Scuffins’ birds were all rescued or former zoo birds that had been rehabilitated.
“They might have been injured on the roads, he’s mended them, and they will always try and put them back into the wild if possible,” she said.
What: Narmbool Open Garden Day
When: Sunday, 22 November 2015. Open 10 am - 4 pm
Lunch bookings: 5337 1124 or functions@sovereignhill.com.au
Admission: Adults, $8, children $5.