THERE'S a treat in store for all garden lovers with an 'Open Garden' day to be held on Saturday, January 28 – Australia Day weekend.
Supporting the Mansfield RSL Sub–Branch, Trish and Ken Thompson will open their extensive and beautiful gardens to the public for one day only from 10am to 4pm.
More than four acres of extensively landscaped gardens will allow visitors the chance to see a huge variety of trees, perennials, manicured lawns, water features and much more.
Starting from scratch Trish and Ken have established their gardens over the past 10 years, since purchasing the property in Malcolm Street.
"I started with large lawn areas and some trees and did not intend to have many flower beds, but have ended up with lots and lots," Trish said.
"But, I just love gardening and I leave the lawn mowing up to Ken."
The four acres includes meandering pathways amid shady trees edged in garden beds which grow literally hundreds of roses, perennials, ground covers – you name it, it grows there.
"I start with an idea and just let it form from there; I don't actually dig gardens but form them using mulch and mushroom compost on top of treated ground.
"And my next project is to extend the gardens out into the next paddock.
"Everything here just seems to grow well, some trees that have shot up are only a two years old but are already well established," she said.
Apart from the extensive gardens to view and wander, the day will offer a plant sale (mostly grown from cuttings from the garden), an art exhibition (Trish is also an accomplished artist), a sausage sizzle, morning and afternoon teas, drinks, cakes and much more.
Entry to the gardens is $10 per person (pay on entry) with coffee, tea, barbecue, cakes and drinks for purchase.
All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Mansfield RSL Sub–Branch for continuing welfare work for veterans.
The gardens are situated at 315 Malcolm Street – just a four minute drive from town – look for the plantings of roses along the front fence.
