Wattle Range councillor Rick Paltridge will open his Still Water garden near Penola over the weekend of April 24 and 25. The public are invited to view Still Water as part of the Open Gardens SA program.

Still Water is a lovely, rambling country garden built around towering natural red gums. There are pretty perennial borders and in areas shaded by the canopies of mature trees, shade-loving clivias, acanthus and begonias thrive.

The many deciduous trees provide a lovely display of autumn colour, with structure and additional interest provided by several sculptures and stone walling built by Mr Paltridge. Peacocks roam freely through the garden and nearby are two flourishing connected wetland areas designed to help support the native ecosystem of birds, insects and wildlife.

However, in autumn it is the quince orchard that takes centre stage – the fruit on the trees has reached peak ripeness and is a beautiful golden colour, emitting a distinctive floral-fruity aroma.

The ripening of the fruit will be celebrated with a Quince Fair to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in various quince-inspired experiences. There will be tours of the orchard and the opportunity to purchase fresh quinces and products prepared on the property.

A variety of stalls will include the Pipers of Penola food truck, Bellwether Wines, Carousel Flowers, Forged Art, Anzac biscuits from the SA Country Women’s Association, The Diggers Club, cider from the Side Project and Wagner’s Roses.

Tim Heysen (grandson of Sir Hans Heysen) will talk on the Sunday afternoon about a beautiful painting of a bowl of quinces, called ‘Still Life’, created by Nora Heysen.