THE extensive lawns are groomed, the roses trimmed and in full bloom, and the tables set in the shade for a fantastic open garden 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 at 315 Malcolm Street, Mansfield.
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.
The four acres of beautiful gardens 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," said creator, Trish.
"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.
"It's going to be a big day and we are expecting visitors not only from the keen local gardeners, but from further afield such as Benalla and Wangaratta," Trish said.
All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Mansfield RSL Sub–Branch for continuing work for veterans and upgrading the RSL facilities for members and visitors.
The gardens are just a four minute drive from town (Malcolm Street between Kidston Parade and Howes Creek Road) – look for the plantings of roses along the front fence – follow the signs.
