The bright banners are flying and the region is bursting with colour as we count down to the 17th biennial Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens.
For nine days during Melbourne Cup week, from Saturday November 2 until Sunday November 10, the festival will showcase stunning private gardens located in the Mount Alexander Shire.
There’s an air of excitement and a flurry of activity as 23 garden owners make the finishing touches, ready to welcome visitors to their environmental works of art.
There are verge gardens, bushland gardens, grand country gardens, historic gardens, sculpture gardens, town gardens of many varieties and a purpose-built accessible garden to explore.
To help plan your visit, a souvenir festival program is available for purchase from the Castlemaine Visitor Centre, as well as from numerous retail outlets around the Mount Alexander Shire and Bendigo. Postal bookings are now closed. Details are also available on the website www.festivalofgardens.org.
Entry to each garden costs $5 per adult, children free. Payment is by cash, direct to the gardener at the gate.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, these serene havens provide inspiration and relaxation in equal measure.
