Paul Bangay’s Stonefields Open Garden Weekend 2016

Would you like the chance to explore the stunning private garden of Australia’s most renowned landscape designer and sample delicious food and wine?
 
You will get this rare opportunity on 16–17 April 2016, when Paul Bangay opens his Victorian property Stonefields as a very special fundraiser supporting the not-for-profit Kitchen Garden Foundation.

“Opening the garden is important to me as it not only allows a rare opportunity for the public to see my private space but it also helps support the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation – a charity very dear to my heart,” Paul said.

“I sit on the Board of this wonderful organisation, and being able to raise much-needed funds means more children can learn how to grow and cook their own fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs. For me this is a very worthy cause.”

This is the fourth time Paul has opened the garden in support of the Foundation, but the first chance visitors will have to see it in all its autumnal beauty – previously it has been opened only in spring.

“Autumnal April means lots of seasonal colour from the oaks, maples and ornamental grapes. The garden changes shades of green, and flowers go to brilliant reds, scarlets and butter yellows,” Paul said.

“Autumn also is the peak time for a lot of our perennials so expect lots of colour from the asters, grasses and salvias.”

The Open Garden Weekend will give return visitors a first-hand look at the growth of the garden and new additions made since the previous open garden in 2013. New visitors can look forward to a day of discovering the delights of this incredible property, located halfway between Kyneton and Daylesford.

Once you’ve finished exploring the garden you can relax on the lawn overlooking the extensive property and the surrounding valley, and enjoy a drink, bite to eat and a bit of music. There will be wine, cheese, coffee and delicious lunch options from local producers.

The Open Garden Weekend is also a great chance to meet Paul as well as Stephanie, buy some of their beautiful books and have them personally signed! The Kitchen Garden Foundation team will also be there to chat about pleasurable food education.

And there’s more …Paul will be hosting private tours of the garden on both days from 8.30-9.30am (bookings essential and limited to 40 people), in addition to a twilight tour at 5.30pm on Saturday – get in quick!

Other activities over the weekend include a raffle with almost $5000 worth of top food and gardening products and services, and the chance to buy rare and exotic plants.

Tickets are $25 if pre-purchased online or $30 at the gate (no EFTPOS, cash or credit card only). Children under 12 are free. All proceeds from the event support the work of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.

For those who want to leave their car at home and enjoy a train journey to the event, a shuttle bus will be making round trips from Kyneton train station to Stonefields at a flat rate of $10 per person return.

See you in the garden!