Native gardens inspire
TWO pristine Anglesea gardens will be open to the public this Australia Day weekend.
Sunnymeade and Melba gardens will be open between noon and 6pm on January 27 and 28.
Designed by Peter and Simone Shaw, of Ocean Road Landscaping, the Australian coastal gardens with indigenous features are set to inspire all visitors.
The afternoons will offer opportunities to relax in the gardens, enjoy food and wine, and listen to expert talks from Peter Shaw on creating coastal gardens, and from Nick Day from Otway indigenous Nursery.
Initially purchased by the Shaws at the turn of the century, Sunnymeade is an awardwinning Surf Coast garden with unusual and creative features, while still maintaining a high level of practicality and livability.
Helena Buxton, committee member with Open Gardens Victoria, said visitors are sure to be fascinated by the rolling grass mounds, creative children’s play equipment, and the overall facade of the garden.
“Lots of people think a native garden will be dry and crisp, but it’s not. It is a large suburban block but every corner is used in a creative way,” Ms Buxton said of Sunnymeade. Melba is just down the road.
Open Gardens Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation and proceeds made from visits at both gardens will go to the Anglesea CFA and the Anglesea Men’s Shed.
Entry is $8 for one garden or $12 to view both, with children under 18 permitted free entry.