Community event a hardworking winner

Let’s talk about an event you all know and love and why it wouldn’t be the amazing occasion it is without the tireless efforts of volunteers and committee members chugging along behind the scenes. 

The Red Hill Show recently came away with an Australia Day Award for the Community Event of the Year Mornington Peninsula in recognition of its 91st show, and we’d like to tell you how it happened. Human power, folks, that’s how, and most of it volunteer-generated. 

Executive officer Bec Davis explains: “We rely on a team of over 80 volunteers from chief stewards, stewards and judges to a host of volunteers that pop up a week before show day to put this massive one-day event together. The success of the show is definitely a 100 per cent team effort. It’s hard to say how many hours go into putting it on, but our assistant secretary Bree Lovell, president Rob Connor, trade space boys Jim Ryan and Vic Kenney and myself dedicate at least eight hours per week throughout the year and are working on it full time heading into the last few weeks before the actual event.”

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, Peninsula people. Bec continues: “There are 12 committee members who each bring their own experiences from marketing/event management, project managing, accounting to veterinary and farming know-how. We have a chief steward for each of the 18 different sections within the show, with an additional two or three stewards assisting. Each section then has between one and three judges. All of these people volunteer their time.” 

Then there’s the executive committee monthly meetings throughout the year to discuss ‘show business’ and how the society can better support the Mornington Peninsula community and its agricultural producers. Now that’s dedication.

The Red Hill Show is all about celebrating the Peninsula’s unique culture, history and values. The Red Hill Horticultural Society, which was formed in 1896 and is still going strong due to an endless line of community-minded people who care about our region and what it produces, grows stronger each year. This important annual show would be a whole different beast without the heartfelt helpers behind it. When you visit on March 7, give thanks to those who sponsor it and to those who believe in the spirit of community enough to work hard at preserving it free of charge.

LIZ ROGERS

Extra exclusive show expands rock carnival

There’s a giant rock carnival on its way to Hastings and we’ve got to fill you in on all of the details. Under the Southern Stars is bringing a spectacular 2020 line-up, including +LIVE+, BUSH (pictured), Stone Temple Pilots, Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary, as they tour the country during April. The Mornington Peninsula will have the chance to join in on the carnival as the group of rock royalty stops by on Saturday, April 11, at the Hastings Foreshore Reserve. 

But wait, just when you think it can’t get any better – it can. UTSS has just announced that this year it’ll be expanding by adding an exclusive indoor show at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on Wednesday, April 8. The line-up at The Timber Yard begins with a local support act before Stone Temple Pilots take the stage, followed by +LIVE+, before BUSH close out the evening. Die-hard fans have been begging for more, so this 12th and final show has been booked and will sell out.

This year sees the introduction of the Under the Southern Stars Village at the outdoor events, which will include installations, activities, carnival rides, market stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to music and lifestyle products, and fantastic food vendors. 

The Hastings festival will showcase +LIVE+. They are one of the most beloved rock bands ever to tour the nation. It’s been 25 years since the release of their iconic Throwing Copper album, and during their career so far they’ve achieved seven Top 5 albums in Australia, three of which occupied the No.1 spot for a total of 10 weeks. 

BUSH’s 1994 debut album Sixteen Stone was an instant smash and spent 43 weeks in the Australian Top 50, where it peaked at No.5. After a hiatus from 2001-2011, BUSH’s return was a triumph with their song The Sound of Winter making rock radio history in the US as the first self-released song to hit No.1 at Alternative Rock Radio.

With more than 50 million albums sold, Stone Temple Pilots are superstars. As one of the biggest rock acts of the 1990s, their songs became the soundtrack of a generation. One of the world’s top-selling albums in the ‘90s was Purple, which reached No.1 in Australia. 

Rose Tattoo are one of Australia’s longest running and most cherished rock acts. They are known as one of the pillars of Australia’s distinctive pub rock sound and have been sharing their message across the world for nearly 50 years, led by the one and only Angry Anderson, who at 72 continues to rock like no other.

During Electric Mary’s decade-long career, they’ve shared the world’s stages with some of the most revered names in hard rock. Their explosive brain-bending performances are regarded as some of the best live shows anywhere. 

Get in fast as these strictly limited tickets to both venues won’t last long. Tickets are on sale now at www.underthesouthernstars.com.au 

UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS
W: www.underthesouthernstars.com.au
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Immerse yourself in the big blue

With the bays of Port Phillip and Western Port on either side and Bass Strait to the south, it’s little wonder the ocean plays such a major part in the lives of those of us on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s fitting, then, that the Ocean Film Festival should make its way to our neck of the woods this month during the Australian leg of its 2020 world tour.

“Some of our strongest support comes from regional towns like Broome, Warrnambool, Cairns and Albany,” says Townsville-born festival director Jemima Robinson. “But it is not just coastal towns that love the ocean. We have amazing support in places like Alice Springs and Launceston.”

The Ocean Film Festival was founded seven years ago on the northern beaches of Sydney. It gives a spotlight to the world’s best independent filmmakers who celebrate the beauty and power of the ocean, and immortalises the divers, surfers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray, chase the crests of waves, and marvel at the mysteries of the deep blue.

The festival’s global popularity is soaring, the selection process competitive, but that hasn’t stopped two exceptional Australians from being named finalists this year. “When the Ocean Film Festival started, most of the entries received were from the US,” Jemima says. “We really wanted to showcase more of Australia's natural marine environment and the work of Australian filmmakers. The Ocean Film Festival has given Aussie filmmakers and ocean-lovers the forum to have their work seen on the big screen.”

In A Corner of the Earth, Sydney filmmaker Spencer Frost follows aspiring professional surfer and Sydneysider Fraser Dovel as he makes the head-spinning transition from competitive surfing in warm, inviting breaks to the icy, treacherous waters of the Arctic in search of the adventure of a lifetime. Sometimes humorous, always breathtaking, Fraser comes to grips with living and surfing in sub-zero temperatures, finding a new appreciation for what it means to be a surfer.

Swimming With Gentle Giants, by Adelaide filmmaker Stefan Andrews, dives underwater with award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Scott Portelli. Scott’s close connection with the humpback whales he has been documenting for two decades provides a breathtaking, up-close-and-personal experience with the biggest animals on Earth that must be seen to be believed.

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour screens at Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud, Rosebud Pde, on Saturday, March 28, from 7-10pm. Tickets:  www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ocean-film-festival-world-tour-rosebud-28-march-2020-tickets-73250069931

Maritime magic for your home

Chart a course for stylish, beach-inspired living with this show-stopping spiral ship-wheel mirror frame by Mount Martha artist Miffy Pittaway. It’s just one of Miffy’s limited-edition shell artworks on display and available for sale at Mark and Cherie Poulter's Veraison Restaurant in Tootgarook.

Miffy’s shell artworks have been created with a combination of 70 per cent 40-year-old rare sea-shells and 30 per cent sea-shells purchased from Simply Shells and Australian Sea Shells. Miffy also has her own personal range of decorative boxes, spiral candelabras and decorative necklaces, as well as driftwood mirror frames, marine animal hanging pieces and more. Miffy can custom-make themed pieces and recreate items that have sold. 

Bring the beach into your home with coastal-inspired artworks from Miffy’s She Shell Art.

SHE SHELL ART BY MIFFY
M: 0400 178 635
E: [email protected]
W: sheshellartbymiffy.godaddysites.com
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The exhilaration of Tinalley

The internationally renowned Tinalley String Quartet will give a vibrant recital at the accessible Peninsula Community Theatre on Saturday evening, March 14, hosted by the Peninsula Music Society. The program will feature Beethoven Opus 18, No 4; Dvorak Cypresses; and Mendelssohn Opus 80.

Tinalley is currently the quartet in residence at the University of Queensland, and members Adam Chalabi (violin), Lerida Delbridge (violin), Justin Williams (viola) and Patrick Murphy (cello) have extensive experience overseas, including Canada, the US and Europe. 

This promises to be a dynamic musical experience with the exhilarating blend of strings. 

Buy tickets online at www.pmsmusic.asn.au; at Farrell’s Bookshop in Mornington and Robinsons Bookshop in Frankston; by phone on 9789 8392; or at the door one hour before the concert.

© Catherine Godony 

Exhibition shines spotlight on the art of giving

Victorian artists have donated more than 50 paintings for Unframed-art, a one-night exhibition and silent auction to raise money for Peninsula Home Hospice. Curated by Southern Buoys Gallery at 2/19 Carbine Way, Mornington, the exhibition is on Saturday, March 21, from 5.30-8pm, and bidding will close at 7pm.

While the paintings have been donated anonymously, many of the artists will be present and have offered to sign their works for the successful bidders. Max Rowe will provide entertainment, and catering is by Blue Mini Café and Emporium.

Bookings are essential at www.unframed-art.com, Trybooking, on 5973 2438, or from the Peninsula Home Hospice offices at 327 Main St, Mornington. If you’re unable to attend, you can donate at www.peninsulahospice.com or 5973 2438 to help Peninsula Home Hospice provide specialist in-home palliative care that optimises quality of life and comfort, dignity and peace.

Unframed-art is your chance to purchase art at a very reasonable price from more than 50 renowned and emerging artists while helping Peninsula Home Hospice continue its outstanding work.

Musicians tune up for exciting season

Works by some of classical music’s most popular and enduring composers will be performed by Peninsula Chamber Musicians as part of an exhilarating 2020 season. Continuing its tradition of presenting high-quality classical music incorporating ensembles of all sizes and styles, Peninsula Chamber Musicians will present chamber orchestra concert programs this month as well as in June/July and November. 

PCM will also present more intimate ensemble performances, which include the popular Beleura House and Gardens concert in September and an exciting new series at St John’s, Flinders, in both July and August.

Performances this year will include works by Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Elgar and many others. 

Head to www.peninsulachambermusicians.com.au for all concert and ticketing details. Live local. Listen local.

Maritime memories brought to life

An exhibition that has been 93 years in the making is coming to Oak Hill Gallery. Sky, Sea, Sail and Other Things is a collection of watercolours by enthusiastic sailor Ron Farnill, who describes it as “a must-see for anybody with a touch of salt in their veins”.

“I am and always will be passionate about the beloved maritime environment,” Ron says. “Most of the works evolve from memories both actual and what I believe must be inherited memory embedded in my genes from my seafarer ancestors. Included are many local Peninsula scenes where I have had the privilege to live for many years.”

Sky, Sea, Sail and Other Things opens on Sunday, March 1, from 2-4pm and continues daily from 11am-4pm until March 31.

OAK HILL GALLERY
A: 100 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington
T: 5973 4299
E: [email protected] 
W: www.oakhillgallery.com.au 
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Everyone’s invited to help Geoff to 80

Join families, individuals, friends and neighbours at the fourth MY Mount Eliza Run and Fun Festival this month for a great day out while raising money to find a cure for blood cancers.

Festival director and founder Geoff Nyssen says he has lost many dear friends to blood cancers over the past few years. “I am sure that I am not alone in experiencing this sense of loss,” Geoff says.  “We want to desperately find a cure for all blood cancers so no more people suffer and their families can celebrate many more birthdays with their loved ones.” 

It is for this reason that Geoff and his festival committee have this year set the ambitious goal of raising $80,000 for the Snowdome Foundation, which directs all of its funds into blood cancer research.  This is all in the pursuit of helping Geoff and others with blood cancer live to 80, hence the hashtag #HelpGeoffTo80

You can provide a one-off donation and/or set up your own fundraising page at www.mycause.com.au/events/mymountelizarunfunfestival, and you can find out more at www.mymounteliza.org.au/charitable-cause/

The MY Mount Eliza Run and Fun Festival is on Sunday, March 15, at Mt Eliza Regional Park. We’ll see you there!

Fun for all at Neds Mornington Cup Day

It’s Mornington’s time to shine as Neds Mornington Cup Day rolls into town on March 21. The feature race is the $350,000 listed Neds Mornington Cup, with the winner gaining a ballot-free entry into the 2400m Caulfield Cup in October. 

Play, party and socialise in style at the Garden Bar trackside. With hawker-style food halls and trucks, beverages all day, acoustic tunes and a great garden party environment, it’s the prime position to enjoy the day.

The Peninsula Marquee, by Polperro Winery, will showcase the very best of the Peninsula’s offering. Polperro will perfectly match an all-inclusive selection of delicious produce and wines from the area. 

There will be plenty of action on and off the track, with style, colour and fun all set to make this a sensational day out. 

With plenty of kid-friendly action including face painting, animal farms and rides for the little ones, racegoers of all ages are sure to enjoy a fantastic day out. Get your tickets at www.mrc.racing.com

Aboriginal women’s art and riverland works at Everywhen

New generation artist Josina Pumani is painting in tribute to her late mother.

Paintings, barks, ochres and sculptures by Aboriginal women artists from around Australia celebrate International Women’s Day in The Colour Purple exhibition during March at Everywhen Artspace. 

“Aboriginal women’s art has really come to the fore over the last 10 years,” says Everywhen’s co-director Susan McCulloch. “We’re especially featuring works by related women artists – mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts – whose work shows the intergenerational nature of Aboriginal art, such as the work by Josina Pumani, who is currently painting works in tribute to her mother who passed away last year, and whose grandmother was one of the founding artists of her community of Mimili in the APY Lands of South Australia.” 

Other artists with family connections include the late Minnie Pwerle, from Utopia, her daughter Barbara Weir and Barbara’s daughters Charmaine Pwerle and Teresa Purla. 

The Colour Purple opens on Saturday, March 7, at 2pm with an art parade featuring more than 40 works and informative commentary. It continues until March 30. Book online at www.mccullochart.eventbrite.com.au 

In April, exciting new works from Kaiela Arts in Shepparton bring the spirit of the riverland country to life though works that pay artistic tribute to the beautiful lush flowers, trees, grasslands and woodlands of the Goulburn Murray riverlands, which have become severely compromised over the years. Biyala Bala Kaiela (Red Gum River) opens on Saturday, April 4, with a didgeridoo performance by Kaiela’s Eric Brown and an opening address by the Mornington Peninsula’s Baluk artist Lisa Waup from 2-4pm. The exhibition continues until April 28. 

EVERYWHEN ARTSPACE 
A: 39 Cook St, Flinders 
Open Thursday-Tuesday 
T: 5989 0496
W: www.mccullochandmcculloch.com.au

Welcome to Kindred Clubhouse

A new community mental health program has opened in Hastings. Located at 29 Marine Pde, Kindred Clubhouse provides a welcoming space where people with a mental illness can connect with peers and build on their strengths, abilities and confidence. 

Kindred Clubhouse is a membership-based community, dedicated to supporting people who are experiencing mental health issues. Currently the Clubhouse is open 9am-4.30pm each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and has a social program from 10am-2pm on Saturdays.

If this sounds like something that you or someone you know might be interested in, please contact Kindred Clubhouse on 5904 6125, visit www.kindredclubhouse.org.au or come along to the free information session on Wednesday, March 11, from 2-3pm.

KINDRED CLUBHOUSE
A: 29 Marine Pde, Hastings
W: www.kindredclubhouse.org.au
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So, what’s your fantasy? Fantasy Island Showing at HOYTS, Wells St, Frankston

Fantasy Island (2020) is the horror adaption of the popular 1970s TV show about a magical island resort. This instalment is written by Jillian Jacobs, Christopher Roach and Jeff Wadlow, who is also the director. The island takes competition winners for an unexpected wild and dangerous ride among the picturesque scenery. 

It’s the perplexing and mysterious Mr Roarke who explains the rules of the island and how the island is ultimately in charge of what happens – but he does confirm that the fantasy will only end if it has played out. The lucky guests will see their secret fantasies come true at the luxurious but remote tropical resort – it’s the unlikely location that surprises the unsuspecting guests with dark twists and turns as well as danger at every corner. The audience becomes enthralled as the fantasies begin to turn into nightmares and the idyllic destination turns swiftly into hell. As the characters work hard to escape with their lives, the action scenes intensify. It seems that it is the way of the island to continually throw in plot twists to keep the audience guessing. 

From the producer of Get Out (2017) and Halloween (2018), Fantasy Island doesn’t disappoint as it throws the characters in the deep end, where only the island knows how the fantasy will play out. Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) as Melanie is full of sass and doesn’t hold back. Elena, played by Maggie Q (Nikita), is a woman yearning to be a mother and is surprised with a child called Lila, who is none other than up-and-coming Peninsula star Jeriya Benn, who we featured in our January edition. Michael Peña (Ant Man) as Mr Roarke is hiding a fantasy of his own and adds to the list of obstacles for the hotel guests, alongside Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy), who portrays the terrifying Devil Face. 

Jump in for the ride as you witness for yourself the island taking control and twisting the fantasies that were asked for – or do you suspect that they are part of something else much bigger? We recommend you discover this for yourself. Every fantasy comes at a price, and lives will be changed for ever. 

With the final scene suggesting an opening for a second film, we’d be eager to see it in order to discover more secrets that Fantasy Island holds. 

KATE SEARS 6/10

An extraordinary story filled with love, hardships and spirit

Not many have lived as many lives – from stolen child, teenage alcoholic, seeker, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius to social advocate and First Nations leader – but it took almost a lifetime to find who he really was. He is Archie Roach. 

In recent years he faced the sudden death of his life partner and musical collaborator of 38 years, Ruby Hunter, and went on to survive a debilitating stroke and lung cancer. Forcibly removed at only two from loving parents, six other siblings and his community, Archie’s early years were equally traumatic. He became a teenage alcoholic and drifted into destitution while searching for his identity and place.

Tell Me Why, the title of his new memoir and companion album, is an intimate, moving and often confronting account of his resilience and strength of spirit, and of a great love story. It is an extraordinary odyssey of love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal – and the healing power of music.

Archie voices the joy, pain and hope he found on his path through these songs to become the legendary singer-songwriter and storyteller that he is today – beloved and respected by fans worldwide. Be moved by Archie’s journey, accompanied by a full band, on Saturday, April 18, at 7.30pm. Tickets $27-$60 Bookings: 9784 1060 or thefac.com.au

FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE
A: 27-37 Davey St, Frankston
T: 9784 1060
W: www.thefac.com.au
FB: FrankstonArtsCentre
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Photo by Adrian Cook

Charity ball ‘can can can’ make a difference

With much-loved entertainer Tim Campbell as the MC and a pre-dinner Moulin Rouge show, the 10th annual Children of Ghana Charity Ball promises to be a truly fabulous evening.

“With everyone’s support this year, we will be able to provide fresh, safe drinking water through Disaster Aid Australia, assist with education and provide funds for health screening for the Buruli ulcer for children in Ghana and beyond,” says organiser Cheryl.

“Tim is one of Australia’s most versatile, talented and much-loved performers and will also be entertaining guests with The Tim Campbell Band. Guests will enjoy spectacular pre-dinner entertainment with a Moulin Rouge show, Yes We Can Can Can, which is also our motto for this year. Yes, we can can can make a real difference to the lives of children who are counting on us to save them from poverty and suffering and give them hope for a standard of living that every child deserves: a safe and loving home, safe drinking water and, most importantly, a brighter future.” 

Mercedes Benz Mornington is the premium sponsor of this year’s Children of Ghana Ball, which will be held in the Gunnamatta Room at Mornington Racecourse on Saturday, May 9. For tickets, sponsorship details or to make a donation to this vital charity, phone Cheryl on 0400 516 265. 

Set sail for BYS Easter Art Show

Always a highlight on the Peninsula calendar, the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron Easter Art Show is on again in the club buildings and grounds. The art show is a major fundraiser for the BYS rescue boat fleet and continues to grow since its inception in 2009, showcasing a broad range of artistic works by artists from the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas and beyond. 

Feature artists this year are photographer Ronald Tan and artist Claire McCall, who will be joined by returning and new artists, including indoor and outdoor sculptors. Outdoor sculptures take pride of place on the deck and lawn, which adds to the ambience of the club, and a silent auction will run throughout the show with products, lifestyle experiences and vouchers mainly from Peninsula retailers on offer.

The art show’s opening night function is on Friday, April 10, from 7-9.30pm. Tickets are $40 and will be available from Friday, March 13, at www.trybooking.com/BIMGA. The art show is then open from 10am-5pm on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, and from 10am-2pm on Monday, April 13. Entry is $5 with tickets available at the door each day, and visitors are welcome to stay on at the club and enjoy the bistro and bar offerings while taking in the spectacular bay views from the deck or just relaxing on the lawn or beach.

For more information, go to www.bys.asn.au or visit the Facebook page @byseasterartshow 

Racing club prepares for the last leg

The Balnarring Picnic Racing Club is about to wrap up another successful season with meetings on Labour Day and Easter Saturday. 

One of the club’s major focuses this season has been its Caring for the Community initiative. This program saw the club partner with the Disabled Surfrider Association Mornington Peninsula at its November meeting, Abacus Learning Centre, which supports kids with autism, at its December meeting, and Willum Warrain in January. The Labour Day race meeting will help Dogs for Kids with Disabilities, with Racing Hearts the focus of the club’s final meeting for the season on Easter Saturday. 

In addition, the club donated $5000 to the VicBush Fire Appeal and a truck load of donated hay went to Gippsland thanks to Neil McCormicks Transport, a club member. A total of $9000 was also raised for the Bittern Fire Brigade.

The Labour Day race meet will be a great addition to the long weekend activities and Easter Saturday will showcase the much-anticipated Dress HireAU Fashions on the Field, featuring Channel 7’s Sarah Duffy as the MC. Register at balnarringraces.com

BALNARRING PICNIC RACING CLUB

A: Coolart Rd, Balnarring

W: www.balnarringraces.com

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Looking for your next bear bestie?

Calling all teddy bear collectors! The founders of UK-based Charlie Bears, Charlotte and William Morris, are coming to the Peninsula on a ‘bear-signing tour’ and you’re invited. 

Anyone who collects handmade bears and is smitten by their quirky loveliness will have heard about Charlie Bears. Each of these personality-packed companion bears is made with love and can be sourced through the Mornington-based online shop The Lovely Bear Store, which offers an exclusive range of delightful collectable teddy bears that can be passed down from generation to generation.

The Lovely Bear Store is hosting Charlie and Will at Mount Martha House on April 19 from 1-5pm.  It’s a bear-illiant opportunity to purchase an exclusive signing bear who will be unveiled on the day.

THE LOVELY BEAR STORE – LOVELY BEARS
W: www.lovelybears.com.au
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Frankston’s fiery fiesta a must-see

Firing flamenco guitars will fuse with tangoing hips and tantalising tastebuds as thousands join the Latin American, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish festivities at Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival. Ventana Fiesta crowds will be immersed in a sea of colour as costumed dancers swirl their bright dresses to the accompaniment of polyrhythmic clapping and drumming. 

An Argentinian Murga troupe, part of the roving parade, will engage spectators in dance within the Frankston Arts Centre precinct, where wafting live music will collide with the scent of food at Bar Espanal. Visitors will be able to enjoy a glass of sangria from the arts centre bar’s balcony overlooking the library forecourt, which will be transformed into Little Mexico, providing captivating Mexican wrestling, music, food and dance. Internationally acclaimed Mexican pop band Playa Limbo will be joined by Latin American bands all day.

A smorgasbord of street food will spice things up to be enjoyed among food demos, artisan craft stalls and a fashion runway. Meanwhile, roving performers, art installations and craft activities will keep the little ones entertained too. Cube 37 will offer dance workshops in tango, salsa and capoeira plus additional sessions for all skill levels throughout February in dance, drumming and singing. A preview of the festival’s exhibitions will be showcased at the art centre’s opening on Thursday, February 27, at 6pm, featuring international dignitaries.

Highlights on Sunday, March 15, include the 11am Afro Cuban ceremony at Frankston Life Saving Club, where ancient traditions will be displayed, and later the arts centre’s Cuban well-being workshops between noon and 6pm.

Frankston’s Latin Arts Festival will run throughout February and March, but don’t miss the Ventana Fiesta on Saturday, February 29, from 1-9pm.

CAMERON HOWE
camhowe.com

Portsea and Sorrento gardens open for summer weekend

Four stunning coastal gardens will open on Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16, with Open Gardens Victoria.

Shipway Lodge at Greenwood Ave, Sorrento, is a renowned historic property featuring original Sorrento limestone buildings, a rose-covered walled vegetable garden, deep mixed perennial borders and a giant Monterey cypress.

The nearby Point King Rd Garden at 17 Point King Rd, Sorrento, is a tranquil, beautifully refined Mediterranean-style garden with a formal design complementing the house.

Plant-lovers will relish the West End Garden at 57 Duffy St, Portsea, which celebrates the beachside environment. A grouping of 250-year-old moonah trees are the sculptural highlight of the garden.

Minutes away, the garden at 100 Back Beach Rd in Portsea is a clever transformation of a disused tennis court into a ‘folly’ garden, with raised garden beds, espaliered trees and central glasshouse.

Tickets to all four open gardens cost $30 and are available at each gate or through TryBooking. Tickets to individual gardens cost $8-10 each. Children under 18 are admitted free to all the gardens. Details: www.opengardensvictoria.org.au

OPEN GARDENS VICTORIA
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