By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
A BEACONSFIELD garden will open its gates to the public next month, in what will be one of the last of its kind.
Judy and Jason Millington will open their garden ‘Warrawee’ on the weekend of 2 and 3 May. The event is part of the Open Gardens Australia scheme, which will finish at the end of June after 27 years of operation.
Situated on two acres, Warawee combines native and ornamental plants to create a spectacular garden environment, complete with about 150 varieties of grevilleas.
After purchasing the property in 2001, the couple spent the next few years transforming the garden into the sanctuary it is today.
Trees featured within the garden include Birch, Magnolia, Persian Silk, Forest Pansy and Irish Strawberry.
While initially planting more ornamental trees, a passion for local birds saw many native Australian species planted in the garden.
Judy and Jason first participated in the Open Garden Scheme in November last year, when 350 people came to enjoy the garden.
Judy said it has been a long but worthwhile process to this point.
“The November opening was very rewarding because it had taken so much work to get it up to scratch,” she said.
“I’m a perfectionist and it had taken a lot of time, so we were delighted to be chosen as an open garden.”
In the future, Warrawee hopes to move towards gardening with a ‘sustainable’ focus. With no town water or sewerage on the property, the water capacity has been recently increased to 60,000 litres and plans are underway for compost bins and a worm farm.
Judy is encouraging the public to become involved is the last opening through the Open Gardens Australia Scheme in this area.
“The garden is built with autumn in mind, so it is a really beautiful place to be at this time of year.”
Open Gardens Australia (OGA) started in Victoria 27 years ago and has since then seen the opening of almost 20,000 gardens to the public.
Warrawee will open its doors on 2 and 3 May, from 10am to 4pm. Entry to the garden is $8 for adults. More information can be found at www.opengarden.org.au or www.facebook.com.com/Warrawee.Gardens
