Visitors can join guided tours with Campaspe Shire Council Australian of the Year Doc McDonald.
Photo by
Bree Harding
The Girgarre Open Gardens event is embracing change in 2025, with all festivities to be held at the Gargarro Botanic Garden for a one-day celebration on Sunday, October 26, from 10am to 4pm.
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Committee member Sally Canning shared the reasoning behind the new format.
“This year the committee has changed it slightly due to a lot of gardens not being available, or needing to repeat gardens that have already been in the program,” she said.
“High tea is going to be served down the avenue at the Gargarro Botanic Garden, and we will have artists, demonstrations and guided tours through the gardens.
“Due to the event being held only onsite at Gargarro, there is a limited number of high tea seats available, fewer than in previous years, so people will need to book.”
Visitors can enjoy the works of ceramic artist Anne Timms, renowned for her distinctive succulent-planted ceramic chooks, and artist Olivia Mitchell from Wyuna, and watch floral demonstrations by the Fab Flowers team from Kyabram.
“Because it is in a public place and not private gardens anymore, if anyone who turns up and hasn’t got tickets, we still want them to be able to enjoy the day,” Mrs Canning said.
The lawn area will host garden-themed stalls and a barbecue run by Girgarre Primary School.
A new eight-metre-high banksia sculpture will be unveiled at 1pm, marking a significant milestone for the gardens.
Visitors can join guided tours with Campaspe Shire Council Australian of the Year Doc McDonald, or experience the Girgarre Sound Walk with its creator, Rob Axon.
Funds raised by the open gardens event go towards stage two of the Gargarro Botanic Garden.
This year’s organising committee would like to extend its thanks to Bernie Ryan for hosting the high tea in previous years.
“Even though Bernie is not involved with running the event this year, we would all like to acknowledge his work, support and all the effort he has put in over the years,” Mrs Canning said.
The Gargarro Botanic Garden Cafe will welcome guests from 8am to 3.30pm, serving breakfast, barista coffee and full meals. With high attendance expected, organisers encourage cafe bookings on 0409 570 899.
