By REBECCA BILLS
THE effortless perfection of Alowyn Gardens has drawn visitors from near and a far since its humble beginnings 15 years ago.
And, as the autumn leaves begin to form, so do the preparations for the Alowyn Gardens Harvest Festival.
Proprietors Prue and John Van de Linde said they are very excited about hosting the event and will be running their very first scarecrow competition.
“The event is directed at families and there will be food and wine available over the whole weekend,” Mrs Van de Linde said.
“We have planted a big sunflower field that should be in full flower by the harvest weekend – the perfect place for our scarecrows to be showcased.
“We are partnering with local primary schools for the scarecrow competition but also opening the competition to the general public with a family section and children under 16 section.”
Mrs Van de Linde said the event will be judged on Friday 7 March so the winning scarecrow can be showcased over the weekend.
Alowyn Gardens is a place that provides information and education for all who experience the exquisite grounds.
With comfort and shade in mind, work started at the gardens in 1997 after extensive clearing of the weed and blackberry infested paddocks.
The first tree was planted at the grounds in 1999 after a soil management plan was put in place to revitalise the soil which had exhausted goodness after being used for 20 years as a trotting stud.
Now, opened to the public for its fourth season, the garden has been created within an area spanning approximately four acres with strong symmetrical lines that are blurred by the softness of space, colour and trees.
Within the four acres there are five clearly defined areas – a perennial border designed to display colour from spring to autumn, a sliver birch forest, an edible garden, a parterre garden and a number of display gardens.
A new addition is the new French garden that has been planted with an amaranth field and sunflower field for visual impact.
Throughout these areas, a 100 meter long rose and wisteria covered archway with a sunken garden and classical fountain is displayed as a centre piece to provide tranquillity and calmness throughout the space.
Over the years Alowyn has been the recipient of many awards including the ABC Gardener of the Year Award in 2008 and featured I both the Better Homes and Gardens magazine and the Yarra Valley and Ranges seasonal publication.
Alowyn Gardens Autumn Harvest Festival will be running over the Labor Day weekend, 8-10 March, from 10 am to 5pm.
Admission is $9.50 for adults, $8 for concession, 12 to 18 years-of-age $3 and all children under 12 free.
The gardens are located at 1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen.
For more information on the gardens and the event, email admin@alowyngardens.com.au, visit www.alowyngardens.com.au or call 9730 2400.
