Explore stunning private gardens during the Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens from Saturday 24 October to Tuesday 3 November. A curated selection of 19 gardens will open their gates to the public for ten days up to, and including, Melbourne Cup Day.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, these serene havens provide inspiration and relaxation in equal measure.
A number of properties are located in Castlemaine itself; while others can be found a short drive away, in outer-lying areas of the Mount Alexander Shire.
How many you visit is entirely up to you, as this is a self-guided experience. There is no need to book – just check the schedule on the festival website or in the printed program to see which gardens are open which days (many are open every day of the festival). All gardens will be closed on Wednesday 28 October.
The theme of the festival, The Solace of Gardening, recognises how the garden, and indeed the act of gardening, holds such a special place for so many of us. There are health benefits, it can be a chance to connect to nature and an opportunity to create and be surrounded by beauty.
Visitors will be inspired as they meander around a diverse selection of gardens, with their creators on hand to share their knowledge. Several properties offer plants and handcrafted items for sale, providing an opportunity to take home a memento of your visit.
The festival showcases grand country gardens, historic gardens, sustainable gardens and town gardens of many varieties. Regular visitors will be delighted to see a number of gardens which have been part of the festival for many years, together with six exciting new gardens to discover.
To help plan your visit, a souvenir festival program is available for purchase from the website www.festivalofgardens.org, as well as from numerous retail outlets around the Mount Alexander Shire and Bendigo. An overview of the gardens can also be found on the website. You can stay up to date and see some behind-the-scenes action by following the festival on Facebook and Instagram or by signing up for the occasional e-newsletter from the website.
Entry to each garden costs $5 per adult, children free. Payment is by cash, direct to the gardener at the gate.
Bus groups are welcome at most properties. For those travelling from further afield, there are numerous accommodation options in the region, and the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre offers a booking service.
For details visit www.festivalofgardens.org