The delightful country garden at St Mary’s Vineyard with its hundreds of roses and dry-stone walls is a fitting location for the annual Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair on October 16 and 17.
Established in 1937, the Mulligan family has created a magnificent property at 563 V&A Lane, Maaoupe (near Penola), with the garden taking centre stage.
Hundreds of roses, bulbs, iris, hardy perennials, trees and shrubs surround the classic homestead and out-buildings.
Over the years plants and bulbs suitable for the soil and climate have been incorporated into the garden design, adding colour and texture all year round.
Sandstone rock and plate from the quarry at St Mary’s have been used for dry stone walling, pathways and ornaments, as well as structures such as ramps, plinths, platforms and the trilogy of tree rings in the front paddock.
A passion for fresh seasonal produce has led to the creation of a kitchen garden where a range of fruit and vegetables are grown using permaculture principles.
There are raised beds for strawberries and asparagus with arches for apples and tomatoes making decorative as well as functional features.
A shade house is used for growing seedlings and propagating plants.
St Mary’s Vineyard is a garden for all seasons and in spring it will make a stunning setting for the Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair.
A diverse range of talented artists, trades and specialist growers will exhibit everything from bulbs to trees, natives to exotics, garden arts, trades, food stalls, wine tasting, refreshments and children’s activity area.
The open day will also include wine and food for sale (no BYO), while the Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair will feature plant stalls, cooking demonstration, metal work, drystone walling, garden ornaments, food, coffee, wine tasting and sales and children’s activities.
Plants for sale will be suitable for the region’s climate and soils.
The garden will open from 10am to 4.30pm both days under COVID guidelines. Masks are not required outdoors, but visitors are encouraged to bring one.
