Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times

An amble down the garden path brings joy to most gardeners – especially when it means viewing someone else’s patch!

Creative layouts, thriving plants and quirky nooks provide a residual collection of ideas which can be reapplied to one’s own outdoor vision when time and the inclination call.

So last Sunday, despite the cool and overcast conditions, gardeners from near and far trekked to the North Central Garden Club’s (NCGC) annual Open Gardens Day in Charlton.

Six gardens – five in town and one out of town – were available for viewing. And six owners were on hand to take visitors through their individual journeys in achieving the transformations on display.

Visitors

With car loads of visitors navigating the town circuit there was an air of expectation, as questions and discussions on plant specifics or growing tips unfolded on arrival at each destination. All were eager to relate their transitional story. From barren, weed-infested spaces to plots of carefully tended restoration, the tales of individual endeavour were not just confined to the physical input.

Special places in the garden were apparent at the Waugh Street home of Damien Hellard. The paved, sunken fire-pit (the site of a former tank) had become a place where friends visiting from Melbourne can come and kick-back.

“In the summer when mates come to visit, we sit around here and talk about the days when we all played American football, and stories just keep getting better with age,” laughed Damien.

Move to another section of the garden, and his daughter, Amelie has created a fairy garden which began with just one piece and has continued to grow. At night it lights up, creating a magical scene.

For Trish Jones, a recent arrival in Charlton, her Mildura Way home has offered an exciting chance to establish a new garden as she looks forward to seeing it grow to maturity. Enjoying a late afternoon sit-down, Trish talked about the pleasure of being in the garden, the joy it brings her and the involvement of the birds – black birds in particular – which she views as an asset rather than a hinderance. “Their scratching around doesn’t bother me,” she said. “They are aerating the ground and they’re really tame.”

A market stall provided visitors with both plants and produce with Garden Club members (left to right) Janette Wain, Sheila Grenfell and Lynne Southwell surrounded by luscious offerings; Joy Davies (left) from Wycheproof and Leonie Lewis (right) take time to appreciate the roses at the Livingstone’s Arundell Square garden. The garden attracted a large number of visitors; An oasis in a suburban backyard: Damien Hellard is pictured with his daughter Amelie in the sunken fire-pit area which was the former location of a water tank. The space now provides a stunning retreat for visitors and guests from afar to enjoy the balmy summer Mallee evenings. Photos: The Buloke Times

Kath and Dennis Carlson’s established garden in Watson Street was a picture of perfection – a real showpiece of dedication and commitment which drew many compliments from visitors. The expansive property features trees which tolerate the harsh summer climate – including crepe myrtles, crab apple, smoke bush and ornamental pears. Helping keep the garden in tip-top shape is the installation of 16 water timers, all set to come on at different times.

Re-vitalising their neglected corner block in Armstrong Street has been a labour of love for Arlene Winter and Peter Younger as their emerging vision is still in its infancy. Having purchased the property 14 months ago, clearing out, planning and planting has seen the pair choose roses for the garden frontage with magnolias lining the side fence. Lemon, lime and apple trees will also provide produce, and the surrounds feature a selection of garden art and sculptures. The couple share their home with their excitable three-year-old dog, “Daisy”.

Other properties open for inspection included Sue and David Livingstone’s home in Arundell Square with its beautiful roses and rose bowers, and the rural allotment of Russell and Judy Stanley on the Borung Highway.

Reflecting on the this year’s Garden Day, NCGC president Aileen Allan said that while attendance was down on last year it had still been a “wonderful day” which people have “really enjoyed”. While the weather and the many other events earmarked for the same weekend may have had an impact there was no question that those who attended gained something from the experience.

“I also want to acknowledge the amazing work our committee has put in,” said Aileen, “along with thanking the six participants for making their gardens available for viewing.”

Over a delicious afternoon tea, discussions flowed from the day’s viewing with inspiration knocking at the door for many a garden upgrade!

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 17 October 2025.