Enjoy a pretty open garden!
Behind a high fence on the outskirts of Strathalbyn is Nina’s Garden; small and brimming with flowers, it is like a jewel box filled with bright colourful botanical gems!
The garden is young but has been thoughtfully planned and planted to make the most of the irregular shape of the block and the poor alkaline soils. High fences are camouflaged with hedges that convey a feeling of seclusion and also blur the boundaries – a design trick that makes the garden appear larger than it is.
The attractive front gate opens onto a path lined with mondo grass, lambs’ ears, roses and tall flowering shrubs including a white datura and a magnolia. There is no lawn and traversing through the garden are gravel paths bordered with beds filled with more roses, salvias, lavenders, penstemon, dianthus, scabiosa, gaura, grasses and a fusion of other hardy cottage plants, most with flowers in vivid shades. Smoke bush, and the black leafed elder Sambucas nigra add contrasting dark wine colour to the array of different foliage. However, the show stoppers are several Pierre de Ronsard roses trained up and over the patio area creating a spectacular display when in flower. Pot plants and various garden ornaments, many of African origin, add to the lively character of the garden.
In the back corner is a small productive garden with several fruit trees, vegetables and a chicken coop.
Nina’s garden is delightful; a cheerful, well-tended garden that is colourful and inspiring!
Entrance Fee $10, eligible concessions $8
Please see www.opengardensa.org.au for details
