OPEN GARDEN at South Acres Farm
As usual, our garden at South Acres, has stumbled into autumn a disheveled ,unruly mess. After months of showing off and entertaining everyone, flaunting her floral beauty, and obediently 'glowing' every late afternoon, she is a mess! Many unwanted guests (weeds) tend to get overlooked during the heady summer months and as everything starts dying down they become very apparent.
When approached last year by Caroline Davies Garden Tours in Melbourne, to open our garden in May this year, I shuddered somewhat at the thought of showing the garden at this time of the year in her usual unruly state! But as we had months to think and plan, we took on the task happily and the Open Garden yesterday (3 May) was a great success, accompanied by beautiful weather.
There were all of the hedges to trim (and there are many), the perennials to cut back, truck-loads of mulch to deposit, weeds to get rid of and a rush to complete a couple of renovations that were underway. John Nichols and his son Michael were invaluable in completing these many tasks. The week before an open garden is often a competition between us and the weather. Planning exactly which day to do the final mowing of the lawns, can be hampered if the heavens decide to open. But luckily, everything fell into place this time. We had a big downpour the night before, and the most beautiful day followed. Below are some pics of the final big day of preparation.
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John trimming the box hedge |
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Young Michael spreading the mulch |
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The pleached silver pears at the entrance getting a trim |
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Lettuce from the vegetable garden about to be washed for lunch |
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A break for lunch - salad from the garden and pies from the bakery in Robertson |
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The final mow ! |
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It was such a still day... the reflections a mirror image. |
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Beautiful fresh mulch |
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Michael spending hours on the mower and doing a very good job! |
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Sweeping the pathways.. so many leaves |
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Penny keeping a watchful eye on all the activity! |
Looking neat as a pin! I would love to see some photos of the garden's visitors. x
ReplyDeleteThankfully I managed to get a couple from the visitors !
DeleteThe garden couldn't look more perfect, not a leaf out of place really looks heavenly.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much... good feeling that one can now rest up for a few months !
ReplyDeleteYOUR GARDENS ARE LOVELY! I'M ENJOYING YOUR BLOG VERY MUCH.I LIVE IN TEXAS USA.
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you so much and so glad you are enjoying it! Very exciting to have a comment from Texas ! Jenny
DeleteJenny I'm so glad you stopped by today so I could discover your gorgeous gardens and property!! What a treat. When I have a moment, I'll have to come back and look for some shots of the house and interiors - I'm sure they are equally exquisite!!
ReplyDeleteHello! and thank you for your kind comments! I have not yet done a post on the interiors but will do so soon! I love your blog too ! Jenny
DeleteWhat a wonderful blog! Really captures the beauty of your garden and the Southern Highlands.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kirk !! Glad you enjoyed it !
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