Sunny garden launch
The popular open garden festival Gardivalia was launched in perfect spring sunshine at Parnassus Restaurant on Sunday.
The expo has returned after a year’s break with 18 open gardens and some 20 events on offer for garden lovers over the next two weeks.
Ann Jones told the small crowd gathered for the launch that the committee had worked hard to bring back the popular festival.
Baw Baw Shire councillor Jessica O’Donnell officially opened the event.
Gardens will be open on the weekends of October 20 to 21 and October 27 to 28.
Cr O’Donnell said variety was key to the festival, with small suburban gardens and low-maintenance gardens sitting alongside large and majestic gardens of West Gippsland.
As a result, visitors should expect inspiration for beginners through to experienced gardeners within the program.
She said the festival drew many people from Gippsland and further afield to view the gardens and enjoy the beauty of West Gippsland.
“It is a great occasion to celebrate spring and the beautiful gardens of West Gippsland.
Committee member Linda Filsell said children’s activities, artists linking with open gardens and a variety of demonstrations would broaden the festival’s appeal.
With many open gardens linking with a charity, Vision Australia, Smith Family via Warragul Evening View, Sonshine Toy Library and Alzheimer’s research via Neerim District Lions Club are all set to benefit.
Amongst the free activities, Drouin and Warragul libraries together with the Northern Mobile Library at Trafalgar will offer a variety of events for children and adults ranging from storytelling to permaculture and organic garden talks.
Community College Gippsland in Warragul will open its new community garden whilst Eastern Park Community Garden will host a free spring festival.
Free drawing demonstrations will run alongside an art exhibition at Town and Country Gallery in Yarragon on Sunday, October 7 and Saturday, October 20 from 1pm to 4pm.
A seniors walk at Nangara Reserve in Jindivick on Tuesday, October 9 and Friends of Drouin’s Tree walks on Sunday, October 21 and Saturday October 27 are also free.
Open gardens which are free to enter include Laurie Collins’ sculpture garden at Jindivick and Country Farm Perennials at Nayook.
There is a huge range of open gardens on offer for just $5 entry, including Warragul Lifestyle Village offering three gardens.
Happy Valley Free Range at Warragul South will offer farm tours for $5 whilst entry to Warragul Bonsai Display is also just $5.
“There’s wonderful gardens to see,” said Ms Keating. “Lots of events.”
Ms Filsell said it was very exciting to see the hard work of a new volunteer committee take shape, with Gardivalia flags set to fly in the Warragul CBD as the festival runs.
She believes hotels, motels and eating outlets will also see an influx of visitors during the garden festival.
Ms Filsell said the festival wouldn’t be possible without sponsors, including Baw Baw Shire who gave a grant of $3000.
For further information, visit gardivalia.com.au.
Ratepayers annual meeting
The Baw Baw Ratepayer and Citizens Association will hold its annual general meeting tonight.
The meeting will be held at the RSL rooms, Albert Rd Warragul, from 7.30pm.
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
The Baw Baw Ratepayer and Citizens Association meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the RSL rooms.