Beautiful homes and gardens open to the public this weekend

The 2015 Real Homes and Gardens Tour takes place this Saturday. Have you got your ticket? The popular biennial tour will feature ten homes and their gardens and has been a real labour of love for all involved.

Getting your home ready to take part in the tour is no easy feat and one of the organisers, Liz Atherton, says it’s always a real privilege to have so many beautiful homes and their gardens take part.

Those heading along on the tour also have an amazing opportunity to gain inspiration for their own home, she says.

‘‘The point is that it’s a real homes and gardens tour. We want them to look real, they’re not show pieces, they’re not homes for sale, they’re lived in real homes.’’

A real highlight this year is the stunning array of gardens to complement the beautiful homes.

Having the tour in spring, instead of March as the last tour was, is also a plus. One of the gardens has even been designed by a well-known landscaper.

Liz, along with fellow organisers Joce Hoebergen and Di Louch, and help from interior designer Arlene Swap and former Pohlen Foundation secretary Judith Challis, have dedicated a large number of hours over a number of months in the lead up to the tour.

The fundraiser raises funds for Pohlen Hospital’s yet-to-be-built palliative care wing. Make a day of it, grab your friends and take part.

Tickets for the 2015 Matamata Real Homes and Gardens Tour, taking place on Saturday, November 14, are on sale at Matamata Colourplus for $45 each. Eftpos is not available.