Open Gardens is taking a break ~ but we are back in 2027
This year would have marked the 40th anniversary of the Galston Garden Club’s Open Garden Weekend, a much loved community event that has been generously supported over the years by local garden owners, volunteers, visitors, and sponsors.
The event has proudly raised funds for charity while inspiring countless garden enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore some of the district’s finest private gardens.
After careful consideration, the Club has decided to take a break this year to give our garden owners an opportunity to regroup and prepare for the future. Over the years, many of our long standing participating gardens have changed ownership, and the new owners are not yet familiar with the enjoyment and inspiration that thousands of visitors have experienced while wandering through these beautiful gardens.
We are already looking forward to bringing the Open Garden Weekend back in 2027 with renewed enthusiasm, fresh gardens, and the same warm community spirit that has made the event such a success for four decades.
We sincerely apologise if this year’s break has disappointed you, and we thank you for your understanding, continued support, and encouragement. We look forward to welcoming you back
in 2027.
A plant that took my eye while rambling through one of the gardens was Lamium.
It will grow in full sun or partial shade with lovely purple flowers and a variegated leaf. Colour in a shady spot. Apparently, it has a sprawling growth habit and does not usually attain a height of more than 200mm but spreads about 3000mm. The squared, hollow stems branch at the base of the plant and ramble enthusiastically to form a ground cover quickly. This mat forming perennial ground cover spreads indefinitely over time. Lamium maculums feature heart shaped or ovate triangular, stunning silver leaves that are sometime slightly fuzzy, spotted, or toothed with long petioles. The aromatic green leaves have slivery or white variegation, which may be limited to a white or silver stripe along the midvein or spread to cover almost the entire leaf, depending on the cultivar.
Spotted Dead Nettle produces purplish-pink or white flowers that bloom from late springtime through early summer and off and on until autumn. The flowers helmet-shaped and are formed in the leaf axils of the upper leaf pairs, offering a lengthy floral display. The sweet hooded or helmet-like blooms are very attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Although this member of the mint family prefers slightly moist soil, the Spotted dead nettle is somewhat drought tolerant. Like most plants, it is far better to underwater than to overwater. Once established it may do just fine with natural rainfall. During times of drought, a deep weekly watering should suffice. Fertilize twice a year, early spring and midsummer with an all-purpose fertilizer. Prune as needed to remove dead and damaged stems and maintain the shape and height you desire.
THE GARLSTON GARDEN CLUB have a break over the Christmas season and the first meeting for 2025 with be on the 12th February (2nd Wednesday of each month) The meetings are held in the Community Hall, 37 Arcadia Road, Galston at 7.30pm. For further information …..
Email: galstongardenclub@gmail.com
Enquiries and Membership
Please email the Secretary, Greta Wickham on galstongardenclub@gmail.com with inquiries about the Galston Garden Club or phone 0410 601 808 to leave a clear message. Your call will be returned promptly.
Membership Forms available on request.
Club Meetings
Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday every month (except December and January), at the Galston Community Centre, 37 Arcadia Rd, Galston, at 7.30 p.m.
Visitors are always welcome.
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About Us
We are an informal and friendly group, and no matter what your gardening ability and gardening knowledge is, we have a lot to offer:
- Members will receive a monthly email of Club news
- Meetings have a visiting guest speaker
- Garden rambles; day and other trips during the year
- Winter & Christmas socials
- Trading Table & Cuttings Corner each meeting
- Supper provided and Club library available
- Members’ bloom display