Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times

The therapeutic value of a wander in the garden can hardly be overestimated. 

The exploration, the changes, the delights and other minutiae which are observed in our cultivated spaces triggers a sense of well-being which promotes feelings of satisfaction and enjoyment.

Such was the case as last Sunday’s North Central Garden Club’s (NCGC) Open Gardens Day in Charlton revealed.

Building on its already strong reputation, visitors embraced the 2023 event with a customary passion as opening time ticked over and a steady stream of cars arrived at the registration hub – this year at the Uniting Church buildings as the Senior Citizen’s Rooms had been commandeered for The Voice to Parliament referendum. The lure of outdoor plant stalls provided an instant attraction, setting the scene for all-things-garden to come.

Eagerness

As one of the few events not cancelled in 2022, the gardens meander seemed to generate a sense of eagerness this year even though last year’s event had continued as normal. The purchase of a ticket, the picking up of the brochure and planning out the garden visitation route was quickly undertaken as the traffic headed off from the main hub in all directions.

People opening their private land up to the general public is a generous gesture, and as in previous years there were six locales which welcomed visitors into their much-loved domains.

While finding inspiration or just observing somebody else’s patch is part of the Open Gardens appeal, it’s the conversations which are generated which gives as much value as anything else.

Flood Stories

At least four of the properties had flood stories woven into their regeneration, re-establishment or re-creation. For one at least, this had provided a sense of solace and purpose in dealing with the aftermath of the flood disaster.

For another, a change in life circumstances had meant creating a considerably down-sized garden – a case of “how to have a garden without having a yard.”

Even those whose allotment had been breached by the overflowing Avoca River still commented that their “river view with the majestic river gums, was spectacular.”

Evolution

The genesis story of a number of gardens had seen an evolution from bare or neglected blocks to verdant, productive spaces – some geared around water-wise plantings, and others now sporting established and prolific surrounds. Edible gardens and climate-sensitive items were showcased as much as ornamentals, natives and the more traditional floral inclusions.

A real eye-opener for many was access to a number of the St. Andrews Village allotments off High Street. All were smallish spaces, but each participating resident expressed particular individual tastes and passion – be it the attraction of birds, enjoyment of the vibrant colours, access to the community garden, or the benefits which pottering in an outdoor space can bring.

Community

One of the re-occurring comments from visitors was how gardening builds a sense of community. How conversations begin between owners, strangers and fellow gardeners, with the sharing of ideas and tips and how continuity becomes an integral part of the ongoing plan.

For newcomers to Charlton, Joan and John Sexton it was talking about the appreciation of hard work which goes into making a garden and the associations which come from growing cuttings given by friends. For Wendy Laffin, it is in part the connection to a previous home owner whose plantings still continue to grow and thrive.

For Sheila and John Grenfell, it was the reinvigoration of a neglected space which now harmoniously mixes cottage garden in the front with more hardy plantings in the back.

Changes

By far the largest property was spacious surrounds of Wes and Michelle Jenkyn’s View Street residence. A participant in the 2015 Open Gardens Day, the family was pleased to showcase the changes which have occurred over the intervening years as plants have matured and the two acre area around the house has evolved.

While rain clouds threatened the event a couple of times, the heaviest downpour held off until later in the day, and the cooler weather made for more pleasant conditions for sight-seeing. This year was probably the first time the event was conducted in overcast conditions.

Appeal is always in the eye of the beholder, so preferences will vary, but what remains unshakable is the appreciation of endeavour which goes into creating these much-loved garden spaces. The North Central Garden Club – including president, Bernice Kenny; secretary, Lynne McRae; treasurer, Marieta Doughty; and all the members – is to be commended for facilitating this opportunity for people to enjoy and share their gardening passions; and given the interest generated, may the event continue on for many years to come!

Participating gardens included the following residents: Elias and Katherine Giakimis, Sandra Runagall, Michelle and Wes Jenkyn, Bernie and Wendy Laffin, John and Sheila Grenfell, Bev Mullholland, Julie McGurk and Moria Sheanhan.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 20 October 2023.