THE ART OF MISH MEIJERS GARDENING/
Do you have a garden worth sharing? This was the bold question asked on a postcard on Epilepsy Tasmania’s stand at the recent Blooming Tasmania Flower & Garden Festival in Launceston. Handing out the cards in the group’s trademark purple was chief executive Wendy Groot.
After a successful open garden day last year, Wendy is canvassing garden owners who may be interested in opening their garden for charity. For Wendy, an open garden is more than just a way to raise a few dollars. “It’s also increasing awareness of epilepsy and helping to reduce that stigma that still surrounds epilepsy, and it does so within healthy, relaxed environments,” she explains.
If you are interested in offering your garden for an open day or weekend, contact Wendy on 1300 852 853.
Next weekend Kerry and Harry van den Berg from Woodbank Garden at Longley are opening their garden for Epilepsy Tasmania. Woodbank, a garden crammed with rare and unusual plants is set around a large lake. Right now, the magnolias are in bloom along with massed rhododendrons and bulbs. Woodbank is open regularly in spring and autumn as the van den Bergs are keen to share its legacy with visitors. Kerry also propagates many of the plants in the garden and offers these for sale at the garden open days.
Helping orphans in Kenya
BCC Africa, a charity that raises funds for two orphanages in Kenya, also relies on garden visitors to raise funds for its work among orphaned and destitute children.
Today Pamela and Maree Johnston’s large garden, Birchwood, at Otago Bay is open for BCC (Bethlehem Community Centre) Africa. The sisters open their garden each year for the charity, which is chaired by Tasmanian Christine Bennett. Last year through gate takings, plant sales and donations, Pamela and Maree raised $10,000 for BCC Africa’s work. The money has helped fund the installation of solar power at the charity’s two orphanages.
Pamela says it is a pleasure to be able to help such as worthwhile charity by simply opening the garden. She credits her sister Maree as the gardener and the guiding hand behind their 1ha garden on the side of Mount Direction with views over the River Derwent. Birchwood was established in 1987 by keen gardeners who planted lots of trees, especially the hallmark birch trees that line the driveway, she says.
“It was a beautiful garden that had deteriorated by the time we bought the property in 2005. We removed overgrown and rubbishy plants and set about replacing them with interesting plants. What was a horse paddock is now filled with conifers, natives and other plants,” she says.
Today visitors can explore the extensive garden, orchard and vegetable area and discover Maree’s polytunnel filled with precious plants. The sisters have also amassed a collection of eclectic and quirky garden art. Pamela is keen for visitors to enjoy wandering among established trees and flowering shrubs and enjoying the view. She’s also proud of their wall of tyres — a retaining wall that’s now completely covered with plants.
For any worried a garden on the side of Mt Direction is only for the nimble, Pamela suggests tackling the garden via paths across the garden. “The driveway is quite steep,” she admits, “but don’t let that put you off.”
Open garden details
Today only: Birchwood, 8 Kandos Drive, Otago Bay (Hobart), 10am-4pm. Entry $10. Morning and afternoon teas. Plant sales. Raising funds for BCC Africa (see more on Friends of BCC Africa Facebook page).
Next weekend (October 13-14): Woodbank Gardens, 2040 Huon Rd, Longley. 10am-5pm. Entry $10 (including tea and coffee). Plant sales. Raising funds for Epilepsy Tasmania (more at bloomingtasmania.com.au).