Testimonials

Linda from Dreamtime (2014 and 2015). I so enjoyed the visitors to our garden, who appreciated our garden and the work involved in making it look so beautiful. So many people came to the Beekeeping Demonstrations and were interested in having their own beehives.

Vicky from Ungulla Country Garden (2015)

We had a fabulous two days when we opened our garden for Gardivalia 2015.  Talking to like minded people and sharing gardening tips and info was very satisfying.  Visitors also brought their children and we were able to talk to them about how to grown their own organic vegetables. 

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Jan  from Coromandel Arboretum (2015)

It's such fun opening the garden. Visitors are friendly and love to talk about gardens and plants. They mix and mingle as we take a tour and talk about the trees.

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Rich - on visiting Coromandel Arboretum (2015)

Labyrinth was very cathartic, relaxing, mind-blowing, could see things diferently. Centre was like I arrived. Stunning & tranquil gardens.

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Dot  (2014)

Firstly, let me say how much I enjoyed Gardivalia 2014. I visited exhibitions, was involved with two of them and visited 8 open gardens. My only complaint is it was not possible to visit all open gardens in two weekends. Would it be possible next year for the open gardens to be spread over 3 or 4 weekends so that it would be possible to visit them all? I am not suggesting that all gardens be open for every weekend, as that would be too much work for people, but they could choose one or two weekends. I hope that Gardivalia will continue. It’s terrific and brings people into our beautiful area. Keep up the good work.

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Jenny - Pinelee

Thank you and the committee for all your hard work with Gardivalia.  You have a great set up and the days run like a well-oiled machine.  It has been enjoyable to be a part of the event.

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Suzette

Big congratulations to the organisers of this wonderful event. It is the first time we have taken part in Gardivalia. We drove up to participate yesterday and had a wonderful time. We visited five gardens and all the owners were very welcoming and organised. They were very generous with their time in answering questions and in discussion with us. We were given maps of the gardens so we could concentrate at areas of particular interest. We visited Kurinda Rose Nursery, Tessa’s Garden, Bingara, Dreamtime and Lillico Food Garden. Being from Melbourne we were not familiar with the area and the pink arrows helped, but if I could suggest that maybe the arrows could be larger, it would make them more visible.

We found a vegetarian café in Warragul serving delightful food and had a most wonderful day. Although it was a long drive from Melbourne, it was well worth it for the experience and we are already planning to come again next year, hopefully with extra passengers on board.

Once again, heartiest congratulations to the organisers and to the wonderful gardeners who opened and shared their gardens with the visiting gardeners.

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Pam: Community Development Officer – Events (2013)

pam.boyes@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au (03) 5624 2497

Gardivalia has been part of the annual Baw Baw events calendar for a number of years, inviting local garden owners to open their gardens to the public. Through a diverse and expanding program of open gardens, workshops, bike rides, demonstrations and exhibitions, the festival provides a significant opportunity to showcase the region’s destinations, environmental sustainability initiatives, healthy living as well as arts and cultural activities, attracting an increasing number of visitors to Baw Baw Shire with a positive impact on the local economy. We look forward to the 2014 event and beyond.

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Joan  - Tritec Art Supplies

Just wanted to let you know that we had absolutely glowing reports from visitors coming into our shop regarding Gardivalia and gardens people have visited. Well done to the team.

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Jenny - Drouin

I love exploring the beautiful gardens that open for Gardivalia. Each year I learn something new. Last year, I learnt that rather than have lots of single plants, mass planting provides a colourful structure to the garden design.

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Michelle - Willow Grove General Store

Reported that on the last weekend, when there were four open gardens in the Willow Grove area, they increased their weekend turnover at the Willow Grove General Store by a staggering 300% by providing 187 café meals. There has been a steady clientele of repeat business since.

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Mary

Thank you Gardivalia. We enjoyed today's open gardens at 'Around the Mulberry Tree,' in Trafalgar, 'Monkey Gully' in Neerim South, and Dreamtime in Nilma North. All properties were inspirational and congratulations to the owners for opening up and being fabulous hosts. It's wonderful to support this event.

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Bev - Ellinbank

Every year I drive my mother around to the Gardivalia open gardens for two days. We have such enjoyment deciding which gardens we will visit.

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 Claire - Ballarat

Last year, I drove to Ballarat to bring my elderly mother down to West Gippsland to view the many beautiful gardens open to the public.  She stayed overnight and we visited more again the next day before I drove her home again. She was so thrilled with her visit that she rang my sister in Melbourne to rave about it.  I subsequently found myself exploring gardens again the following weekend, this time with my sister.

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Vida - on visiting Coromandel Arboretum (2011)

Very warm welcome, tour was great, learned a lot. Loved the gardens!!! Would love to come every season to see and feel the gardens. Thanks.

Loved the walk around accompanied by the song of the birds.

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