1–9 November 2008
21 gardens will be open to the public during the 2008 Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens which will include some of our popular favourites, as well as seven new gardens. There are gardens to inspire everyone: large rambling gardens, formal gardens, compact gardens, organic gardens, native and exotic gardens. Gardens for pets, gardens with chooks. There are charming garden ‘rooms’, sculptures, follies, and much more.
The Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens program will be available from 11 August at a cost of $3. (Post & packing is extra.) It describes all the gardens and provides addresses, opening times, and map references. The program includes an Events Calendar and local maps as well as details of other places to visit while you are in Castlemaine. You can order the program to be sent to you in August. (Full details in left-hand panel and on the Order Form.)
Flowers
Adaptation is the secret to successful gardening in a time of climate change. See how we have adapted our gardening methods: techniques such as mulching, composting, grey-water systems, water tanks, and grouping plants by their watering needs are evident. Some unsuitable plants have been tossed out and appropriate new plants have replaced them. It’s wonderful how bountiful the gardens still look. Castlemaine is renowned for its roses and irises and they thrive in the tough conditions, especially in November. You can expect to see them in profusion in many of the gardens, combined with an inspiring range of dry-climate flowering plants.
& Festivities
Our bustling Farmers Market has moved to the fabulous historic setting of the Castlemaine Market Building. Local producers include cheesemakers, beekeepers, olive growers, wineries, chocolate makers, bakers, fruit and vegetable growers, an alpaca farmer, and many more. Castlemaine is also known for its vibrant artistic community. The Theatre Royal courtyard is down a lane next to the Theatre and there you will find The Artists Garden & Sculpture Market: a great place to explore. Both the Farmers Market and the Artists Garden & Sculpture Market will be held on Sunday, 2 November.
The Castlemaine & District Garden Club Plant Market
The Castlemaine & District Garden Club Plant Market will be held on Sunday, 9 November in the Duke Street parkland opposite the Castle Motel. Stalls will feature plants and produce and all sorts of gardening bits and bobs.
Flowers & Festivities
— a whole lot of reasons to visit Castlemaine in November.