Mention Ballarat and many city slickers think of gold mining and the tourist attraction Sovereign Hill. Most people don't know that Ballarat boasts some of the finest gardens in Australia, and even has an annual 3 day garden event. Now in its 7th year, up to six private gardens will be open to the public for the Ballarat Gardens in Spring, to be held on 24-26 October 2014.
Ballarat in Spring, Source:visitballarat.com.au
With the theme of 'Earth's Bounty', the event kicks off with the popular Speakers Luncheon on Friday 24 October at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. For more information or to register
click here.
On Saturday and Sunday, Ballarat will feature gardens on the outskirts of Ballarat in semi rural locations. There are 2 clusters – one in the Dunnstown/Warrenheip area and one in Invermay, both areas within 10 minutes of the centre of Ballarat.
Photograph by Andrew Llyod
Stroll through these designer garden spaces that are not only beautiful to look at but tantalising to your senses too. See colourful gardens filled with colour and life from Japanese inspired gardens of hedging, rocks and pools to Tuscan inspired courtyards.
Ballarat in Spring, Source: visitballarat.com.au
If you're a true designer landscaping and gardening enthusiast, don't miss this opportunity to meet the garden owners and gain some useful tips to take home with you. Ask and learn about native plants and gain insight from an artistic perspective, on combinations of shapes, textures and forms to consider when designing.
Open Gardens, Ballarat. Source: visitballarat.com.au
Entry to each garden is $5 (free for children), but consider a fully guided tour if you're from Melbourne. On Sunday 26 October, visit the five open gardens, inclusive of coach transport for $25. The tour starts at the Ballarat Train Station for passengers arriving on the 11am train from Melbourne and will return for the 4.10pm departure. Bookings are essential for this tour. Save the date and keep an eye out on the
Visit Ballarat website for bookings to open.
The gardens will indulge ALL your senses (except taste), so don't forget to pack your antihistamines!
