The Garden Lovers Weekend
9th/10th November 2024
The Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend is back.
This annual community event is on again for the ninth year.
This annual community event is on again for the ninth year.
This year we offer you the choice of nine unique and diverse private gardens to visit and enjoy, including large and small town gardens, quirky and eclectic gardens, sustainable gardens, and real country gardens.
The event is organised by Creswick Garden Club Inc, and all profits are used for local Creswick projects. They invite you to visit the scenic, historic Central Goldfields Region of Victoria and see an array of diverse private gardens, iconic commercial gardens and nurseries, and more.
The Creswick Garden Club thank the Hepburn Shire Council for its support.
The event is organised by Creswick Garden Club Inc, and all profits are used for local Creswick projects. They invite you to visit the scenic, historic Central Goldfields Region of Victoria and see an array of diverse private gardens, iconic commercial gardens and nurseries, and more.
The Creswick Garden Club thank the Hepburn Shire Council for its support.
Private Gardens
Harvest Cottage
Catherine and James Freemantle’s Harvest Cottage is a meandering country garden on 20 tranquil bush acres. The 2-acre formal garden is filled with lush green spaces, gentle ‘rooms’ and colourful garden beds. Wild in parts and organised in others, you’ll find vegetables growing with ornamentals, textures, layers and sounds; the vibrancy and colours of spring.
Catherine is an accomplished artist and florist; and both skillsets are apparent in the effortless beauty of the gardens. James, a leadership coach and filmmaker, has constructed arbours and decks to optimise the use of outdoor spaces. Together they’ve transformed the garden over the past decade, aided immeasurably by the deep, rich, red volcanic soil. The ambience is enhanced by abundant birdlife, frogs, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, chooks and Black-faced Suffolk lambs.
Take a walk through the orchard, see the wild chookyard, picking garden, forest views, sweeping lawns, hedges and cottage accommodation. Pop in to Catherine's Open Studio to view lots of her creations. Including pottery, paintings and more.
We love the garden for long lunches under the wisteria, games on the lawn, the way it feeds us, nurtures us, and inspires our art and creativity.
The garden is flat and easily navigated. Ample parking on site.
Catherine is an accomplished artist and florist; and both skillsets are apparent in the effortless beauty of the gardens. James, a leadership coach and filmmaker, has constructed arbours and decks to optimise the use of outdoor spaces. Together they’ve transformed the garden over the past decade, aided immeasurably by the deep, rich, red volcanic soil. The ambience is enhanced by abundant birdlife, frogs, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, chooks and Black-faced Suffolk lambs.
Take a walk through the orchard, see the wild chookyard, picking garden, forest views, sweeping lawns, hedges and cottage accommodation. Pop in to Catherine's Open Studio to view lots of her creations. Including pottery, paintings and more.
We love the garden for long lunches under the wisteria, games on the lawn, the way it feeds us, nurtures us, and inspires our art and creativity.
The garden is flat and easily navigated. Ample parking on site.
Pozieres
This beautiful garden features hundreds of mature box hedges surrounding several different garden beds, featuring camellias, roses, irises and many more. There are a number of mature trees, including a 120 year old Algerian oak, and horse chestnut trees. The oak and one of the horse chestnuts are included on the significant tree register of the Hepburn Shire.
The garden and house have an interesting history. There has been a house on the land since 1855. The present house was built around 1906/7. It was sold by the owner, Mr C.W. Jebb, to the State Forest Commission in 1924 for £675, and was the District Forester's or Director of Forestry’ house for the next 65 years. The present owners, Bernard and Valda, purchased the property in June 1992 and named it Pozieres in memory of the 1916 battle of the Somme, when the Australian soldiers recaptured the village of Pozieres from the German Army, suffering 23,000 casualties dead or wounded. Bernard was born in that part of France just a few kilometres from Pozieres.
The garden is flat with some pathways and grassed walking areas. Ample parking in the street.
The garden and house have an interesting history. There has been a house on the land since 1855. The present house was built around 1906/7. It was sold by the owner, Mr C.W. Jebb, to the State Forest Commission in 1924 for £675, and was the District Forester's or Director of Forestry’ house for the next 65 years. The present owners, Bernard and Valda, purchased the property in June 1992 and named it Pozieres in memory of the 1916 battle of the Somme, when the Australian soldiers recaptured the village of Pozieres from the German Army, suffering 23,000 casualties dead or wounded. Bernard was born in that part of France just a few kilometres from Pozieres.
The garden is flat with some pathways and grassed walking areas. Ample parking in the street.
The Folly Garden
Visitors to the Folly Garden are surprised at every turn with an unexpected chocolate box of delights packed into a small town block.
Your visit begins with a prolific rose garden, with architectural garden arches providing the first hint of the garden follies that feature beyond.
You then meander down a camellia and rhododendron walk to a verdant pergola area opening out to a cottage garden of foxgloves, salvias, clematis and lilies.
Hand crafted sculptural bird feeders, arches, garden furniture and ornate garden sheds provide artistic follies in every direction.
Exploring further, visitors are surprised to discover a prolific vegetable garden, orchard, berry garden and even a hidden citrus walk. All amidst a delightful cottage garden that expands further every year.
Sealed pathways throughout the garden are suitable for people with special needs. There is ample on-street parking.
Your visit begins with a prolific rose garden, with architectural garden arches providing the first hint of the garden follies that feature beyond.
You then meander down a camellia and rhododendron walk to a verdant pergola area opening out to a cottage garden of foxgloves, salvias, clematis and lilies.
Hand crafted sculptural bird feeders, arches, garden furniture and ornate garden sheds provide artistic follies in every direction.
Exploring further, visitors are surprised to discover a prolific vegetable garden, orchard, berry garden and even a hidden citrus walk. All amidst a delightful cottage garden that expands further every year.
Sealed pathways throughout the garden are suitable for people with special needs. There is ample on-street parking.
The Miners Cottage
This small cottage garden is step back in time. There are two stars here, the cottage and the garden! The cottage was dated by Heritage architect Wendy Jacobs as being built between 1861 and 1879 and is a real cutie.
The garden is planted with many cottage plants, and features a rose arbour at the front showcasing the beautiful Crepuscule climbing rose. While much of the garden can be viewed from the street with a landscaped verge garden and garden beds in front, it is not until you wander through the garden that you realise it is something special.
Small, flat, easily navigated garden with some stepping stones. Ample parking on the street.
The garden is planted with many cottage plants, and features a rose arbour at the front showcasing the beautiful Crepuscule climbing rose. While much of the garden can be viewed from the street with a landscaped verge garden and garden beds in front, it is not until you wander through the garden that you realise it is something special.
Small, flat, easily navigated garden with some stepping stones. Ample parking on the street.
Nandina
Nandina is a lovely garden at all times of the year. During the colder months the camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons bloom and the nandinas turn a beautiful red. Once spring arrives the garden comes alive with a different array of plants and bulbs. View from the front garden is across to Creswick and Springmount and from the rear across the golf course, where often kangaroos can be seen grazing. There are two large fishponds at front and rear of the property. A very peaceful location which offers a peaceful garden experience. The garden has slopes but mostly is flat. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Quite a few seats scattered around the garden for rest and contemplation! Roadside parking available with plenty of room to turn around as the property is situated on a no through road.
Ophir
This 'Heritage Overlaid' cottage and garden dates from a bygone era. Follow the old villa garden path as you take a journey through a variety of garden rooms featuring stone grottos, fountains and even a Roman bath. A rich and diverse range of colourful flora is on view with traditional European plants and other exotics including a stonewalled cactus garden. Allow yourself time to enjoy the circular hedge lawn and delight at the ‘Fountain of Youth’. With over 20 years of planting and restoration the garden at 'Ophir' Cottage is full of surprises at every turn. A must see!
Seven Hills Watergarden
Seven Hills Water Garden is an eclectic combination of cold climate and sub tropical influences. Featuring numerous ponds and water features, green house rainforest, stone terracing and a number of zones each with their own characteristics.
Recently a self sufficient trend is revealing a garden maintaining its hideaway resort quality but also productive and earthy.
The ongoing aim here is to create a fusion of elements. Practical and delightful.
Recently a self sufficient trend is revealing a garden maintaining its hideaway resort quality but also productive and earthy.
The ongoing aim here is to create a fusion of elements. Practical and delightful.
Yeramba Farmstay
Yeramba is situated on 45 acres and operates as a boutique Farmstay Retreat. Originally farmland purchased over 30 years ago by current owners Anneke and David.
Hundreds of trees have been planted by the owners over the years since including windbreaks, a variety of fruit trees and European trees which display beautiful colours during Autumn. The gardens have a real country feel with rustic creations amongst the plants. A vegetable garden and native flower garden have been added more recently where proteas and leucadendrons are used for cut flowers.
Included in the landscape is 15 acres of natural bush land with big gumtrees and wildflowers In spring. Filled with abundant birdlife and walking tracks makes this the perfect place for some photography and meditation. The converted stables are used for retreats and functions including weddings.
There will be a new local artist set up displaying some of her work inspired by the local country side. The landscaped gardens has lots of seating in place for a sit and relax. There will be tea/coffee available as well as cool refreshments.
Hundreds of trees have been planted by the owners over the years since including windbreaks, a variety of fruit trees and European trees which display beautiful colours during Autumn. The gardens have a real country feel with rustic creations amongst the plants. A vegetable garden and native flower garden have been added more recently where proteas and leucadendrons are used for cut flowers.
Included in the landscape is 15 acres of natural bush land with big gumtrees and wildflowers In spring. Filled with abundant birdlife and walking tracks makes this the perfect place for some photography and meditation. The converted stables are used for retreats and functions including weddings.
There will be a new local artist set up displaying some of her work inspired by the local country side. The landscaped gardens has lots of seating in place for a sit and relax. There will be tea/coffee available as well as cool refreshments.
Black Cat Homestead Garden
150 Howards Road, Wattle Flat
150 Howards Road, Wattle Flat
Open Sunday only
Entry via gate beside the restaurant. If you wish to eat the restaurant after visiting the garden it is best to book. Coffee and cake available all day
3 acres of cottage/country garden. Free-range hens roam part of the gardens with the owners experimenting with suitable plantings to deter the chooks! A large vegetable garden, fruit trees, arbours, roses, cottage plants with beautiful views.
Large flat garden but not suitable for wheelchairs. Parking at the front of the property in Howards Road. Look for the flags.
No dogs.
Entry via gate beside the restaurant. If you wish to eat the restaurant after visiting the garden it is best to book. Coffee and cake available all day
3 acres of cottage/country garden. Free-range hens roam part of the gardens with the owners experimenting with suitable plantings to deter the chooks! A large vegetable garden, fruit trees, arbours, roses, cottage plants with beautiful views.
Large flat garden but not suitable for wheelchairs. Parking at the front of the property in Howards Road. Look for the flags.
No dogs.
Community Partners
John Curtin Aged Care
5 Cushing Avenue, Creswick
5 Cushing Avenue, Creswick
John Curtin Aged Care is home to a community of 85 people and is located in our delightful town of Creswick. Our cottage gardens and courtyards are a source of interest and pleasure to residents, visitors and staff and we love to share them with wider community. The seasons are dramatically marked in true cottage style. We expect irises and roses to abound during the open garden weekend.
We offer:
and fingers crossed for more surprises, just follow our Facebook page for more information.
Open both days: Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
We offer:
- Plant sales (from our Garden)
- Vegetables seedlings
- Gardening Book sales
- BBQ lunch available on Saturday and Sunday
- Cafe Curtin open all weekend
and fingers crossed for more surprises, just follow our Facebook page for more information.
Open both days: Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
Shannon's Bridge Sensory Garden
94 Albert Street, Creswick
94 Albert Street, Creswick
The End of Life Care Hub was launched in 2018 and is hosted by the charity Shannon's Bridge. After a slow start through COVID restrictions, the Sensory Garden at the back evolved. It has been put together entirely by volunteers and with donated goods and time. The space continues to evolve and anyone is welcome to contribute to the garden (as long as it is nothing poisonous or prickly!) and it has been a haven of serenity for people dealing with end of life issues - whether they are caring, dying or grieving. Come and see how far we have come! Free entry.
Open both days: Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
Open both days: Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.
Commercial Partners
Note: All details correct to the best of our knowledge. Before visiting, please contact venues to confirm opening times.
Allendale Native and Habitat Plants
19 Ryan Junction Road, Allendale
19 Ryan Junction Road, Allendale
Commenced in 2019, we are a small propagation service involved in planning and propagating trees, shrubs and ground covers for clients. We have some plants available to go at all times and are open by appointment. We attend the Clunes, Creswick, Avoca, and Castlemaine markets fortnightly.
Bells Water Gardens
846 Gillies Road, Bald Hills
846 Gillies Road, Bald Hills
A haven of greenery and aquatic tranquility nestled at the heart of our property on Gillies Rd, Bald Hills. Our shop is a place where pond enthusiasts, gardeners, and the community alike can immerse themselves in the world of water gardens.
We grow and supply a diverse array of aquatic plants and take pride in offering a wide selection of plants suitable for every pond lover. We also stock all Aquascape pond treatments, as well as fish, garden ornaments, pond products, DIY pond kits, garden sculptures, and an array of water features, plus so much more!
So, whether you're seeking to add a touch of natural beauty to your space, embark on pond life, or simply seek solace amidst our pond and waterfall displays, Bells Nursery and Shop is the destination for you.
Our products are also available for purchase online via our website.
Open 10.00am-4.00pm Saturday only.
We grow and supply a diverse array of aquatic plants and take pride in offering a wide selection of plants suitable for every pond lover. We also stock all Aquascape pond treatments, as well as fish, garden ornaments, pond products, DIY pond kits, garden sculptures, and an array of water features, plus so much more!
So, whether you're seeking to add a touch of natural beauty to your space, embark on pond life, or simply seek solace amidst our pond and waterfall displays, Bells Nursery and Shop is the destination for you.
Our products are also available for purchase online via our website.
Open 10.00am-4.00pm Saturday only.
Brenlissa Nursery
Mendhams Dam Road, Creswick
Mendhams Dam Road, Creswick
Brenlissa Online Nursery is a family operated business in the lovely Central Highlands of “The Garden State” Victoria. Our focus is on great customer service and we respond to every enquiry promptly. Our plant sourcing service is also available we have access to thousands of varieties of plants that we can supply to you. If it’s not on our site we can get it in. We provide a very unique service to our valued customers at prices everyone can afford. Free ongoing support and advice is offered to all customers of Brenlissa Nursery via our regular newsletters and email/phone advice. Our Qualified Horticulturists are here to answer your queries.
Captains Creek Organic Wines
120 Kangaroo Hills Road, Blampied
120 Kangaroo Hills Road, Blampied
Captains Creek is a fourth generation family farm and vineyard that has been managed organically using natural and sustainable farming practices for over 25 years. You're invited to taste our wines & local cheeses or relax for an afternoon lunch overlooking the vineyard. Our Cellar Door, café and vineyard is located at Blampied, just 10 minutes drive from both Creswick and Daylesford.
Open 11.00am-5.00pm both days.
Open 11.00am-5.00pm both days.
Creswick Woollen Mills
Railway Parade, Creswick
Railway Parade, Creswick
Creswick Woollen Mills is a popular local attraction with its stunning 'green wall', historic museum and farm animal experience. Enjoy browsing through high quality Woollen and Alpaca products in the large Factory Store.
Lambley Gardens & Nursery
395 Lesters Road, Ascot
395 Lesters Road, Ascot
Lambley is renowned for an inspirational dry climate garden that has featured in magazines such as Gardens Illustrated UK, as well as gardening television shows such as Gardening Australia and Better Homes & Gardens. The gardens were established 35 years ago around the 1860s stone farmhouse by owners, plantsman David Glenn and his wife, artist Criss Canning. There is a large vegetable and flower garden and incredibly beautiful and resilient borders which provide great ideas for all gardeners.
Lambley Nursery offers a diverse range of rare, frost hardy and drought tolerant plants to buy, as well as vegetable and flower seeds. The nursery also offers online and phone orders and mails plants and seeds to every state in Australia except WA and NT.
Lambley Gardens and Nursery are open 9am to 5pm both days (and every day throughout the year, except Christmas Day). Parking available on site.
Lambley Nursery offers a diverse range of rare, frost hardy and drought tolerant plants to buy, as well as vegetable and flower seeds. The nursery also offers online and phone orders and mails plants and seeds to every state in Australia except WA and NT.
Lambley Gardens and Nursery are open 9am to 5pm both days (and every day throughout the year, except Christmas Day). Parking available on site.
Lucky Monkey Blacksmith
Shop 5, 38 Albert Street, Creswick
Shop 5, 38 Albert Street, Creswick
I create a variety of metal works using predominantly blacksmithing techniques, with a forge, hammers and anvil. My work consists of mostly nature based themes, leaves and branches, tree shapes, that come from spending some years in forests as a fire-fighter, as well as exploring them. The themes are present in most of my work which ranges from garden gates, screens, candelabra, hooks and smaller sculptures.
Miss Northcott's Garden and Tea Rooms
79 Albert Street, Creswick
79 Albert Street, Creswick
Miss Northcott's Garden is a boutique nursery nestled in the Main Street of Creswick beside the Olicartia store, and has a superb range of beautiful, locally grown potted plants to suit all gardens. There is also a fantastic assortment of rusty garden art, terracotta statues and other garden ornaments. Olicartia also has a great range of indoor plants. Our tea rooms set in Miss Northcott’s cottage provides the perfect spot to ponder you next gardening ideas. This delightful local nursery, nestled in the garden
Open 9.00am-3.00pm both days.
Open 9.00am-3.00pm both days.
Overwrought Sculpture Garden & Gallery
3409 Midland Highway, Blampied
3409 Midland Highway, Blampied
Overwrought Sculpture Garden and Gallery is an inspiring creative retail enterprise set on five acres of lush farmland in Blampied, Central Victoria just eight minutes from Daylesford on the Midland Highway to Ballarat. Artist David Dawson creates his uniquely Australian sculptural metalwork designs in his extensive workshop. He then displays them next door in the rustic hay-shed gallery and beautifully landscaped garden setting that he has created. His creations include garden art, native Australian animals and birds, furniture, wall art, magnetic creatures, privacy screens and much more. The gallery also offers the art and produce of thirty local and fair trade artisans, many whose work is not available to purchase elsewhere. For your enjoyment Overwrought provides toilets, coffee, drinks and ice creams and picnicking areas. Extensive parking is available for all vehicles including caravans and buses. The kids can even feed our fish in our garden ponds and pat an alpaca or two.
Open 10am to 5pm both days. Coffee, drinks and ice creams, and picnic areas available. Car & coach parking, and toilets available on site.
Open 10am to 5pm both days. Coffee, drinks and ice creams, and picnic areas available. Car & coach parking, and toilets available on site.
RACV Goldfields Resort
1500 Midland Highway, Creswick
1500 Midland Highway, Creswick
Immerse yourself in history and nature. RACV Goldfields Resort awaits discovery in the historic bushland around Creswick, offering resort style accommodation and golf course. Located halfway between the mineral springs of Daylesford and the old city of Ballarat.
Wake up to fairway or forest views and the sounds of the Australian bush. Dine on classic favourites and signature dishes featuring quality local produce and seasonal ingredients. Play a round of golf. Take a bushwalk. However you choose to unwind, you’ll find everything you need at RACV Goldfields Resort.
Open 7 days. The bar is open from 11am daily. Restaurant serves dinner from 5:30pm daily.
Wake up to fairway or forest views and the sounds of the Australian bush. Dine on classic favourites and signature dishes featuring quality local produce and seasonal ingredients. Play a round of golf. Take a bushwalk. However you choose to unwind, you’ll find everything you need at RACV Goldfields Resort.
Open 7 days. The bar is open from 11am daily. Restaurant serves dinner from 5:30pm daily.
Spring Park Nursery
3734 Midland Highway, Eganstown
3734 Midland Highway, Eganstown
Stroll through our gardens & nursery. Our rose bloom season starts in November through to May. The nursery stocks a large diverse range of plants from the rare to the old fashioned garden gems of yesteryear with this season stocking 250 varieties of roses. Join us in this year’s Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend along with other great gardens and businesses of the area. Gardeners and visitors most welcome.
Open 9.00am-5.30pm both days.
Open 9.00am-5.30pm both days.
Maze House
3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn North
3155 Midland Highway, Newlyn North
Traditional hedge maze set in a 5 acre country carnival garden.
Find all the clues in the maze hunt to win a prize! Play old time carnival games dotted throughout a garden with apple orchards, perennial beds, vegetable patch, firewood lot and indigenous plantings. Maze House is at the Mt Prospect sign, 3155 Midland Highway. Just 12 km from Creswick and 12 km from Daylesford.
Open 10.00am-4.30pm both days.
Entry fee applies.
Find all the clues in the maze hunt to win a prize! Play old time carnival games dotted throughout a garden with apple orchards, perennial beds, vegetable patch, firewood lot and indigenous plantings. Maze House is at the Mt Prospect sign, 3155 Midland Highway. Just 12 km from Creswick and 12 km from Daylesford.
Open 10.00am-4.30pm both days.
Entry fee applies.