Minter Drive Gully
115 Minter Drive, Bellbrae
Saturday 18 January, 2020 to
Sunday 19 January, 2020
10.00am - 4.30pm
Entry $8 Students $5 Under 18 free
Minter Drive Gully is nestled on 10.5 hectares of messmate forest in the hinterland along the Great Ocean Road. It is a garden that has undergone a remarkable transformation and a model of what can be achieved when an owner’s heart is set on sustainability.
The garden lies in a deep gully with views across the bushland slope, and a rocky water feature complete with frog pond and descending stream links the house to the wetland at the bottom of the gully. The surrounding space has undergone revegetation with indigenous species and provides habitat and an oasis for wildlife.
An organic vegetable garden and fruiting orchard have been established in a sheltered upper corner, complete with a chicken coop and glasshouse which extends the food production season and allow for germination of heirloom seeds. Companion planting, organic pest control and crop rotation form an important part of the annual planting cycle, while espaliering and training of the fruit trees means a broad number of species are successfully growing and producing. Lucky visitors may see kangaroos in nearby paddocks and visitors throughout will hear many of the birds that are attracted to this bushland oasis.
Special talks:
Saturday 1.00 pm & Sunday 1.00 pm
Tour the garden at Minter Drive Gully with owner Liz Fenwick.
Liz will talk about the various changes that have been made to the property and their vision for the future.
Her talk will include a 20 minute bush walk around the heart of the property – a deep waterway where many plants indigenous to the Surf Coast will be highlighted and wildlife habitats identified.
Saturday (only ) 2.00 pm
Naturalistic Landscape Design with David Radbourne.
David has been building landscapes along the Surf Coast for the last 30 years.
His knowledge of local vegetation patterns and the opportunities that plants offer to the garden environment is vast, and he talks about gardening at Bellbrae.
Saturday 3.00 pm & Sunday 3.00 pm
Composting Systems… Investigating what might work for your garden with Helena Buxton.
Helena will speak about the importance of organic material to improve soils for growing vegetables and fruit.
A range of different green waste recycling systems will be discussed including, worm farming, hot composting and the use of a bokashi bin.
Other activities and places of interest in the local area include:
Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Port Phillip EcoCentre https://ecocentre.com/ and OGV will also donate to bushfire relief.
Please note re: access:
Entry Gate: Minter Drive Gully has two entries – ONLY the East Gate will be open.
(The West Gate is for private access only.)
Please also note:
Sunnymeade will also be open this same weekend in Anglesea through Open Gardens Victoria; see: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Sunnymeade-2
Garden Notes
Information and advice on garden visiting