SPRING COUNTRY GARDEN TOUR 2019 | Lixouri and Mica Grange

THE SPRING COUNTRY GARDENS TOUR, a self-drive adventure for The Friends, will start at LIXOURI, a Mediterranean style garden set in the hills of Central Victoria near Castlemaine. Reminiscent of a rural property in Greece or Italy, there are numerous landscaped garden beds and terraces, with the main garden looking out over an established olive grove and the surrounding hills. This garden is terraced with beautiful stone walls, steps and gravel paths overlooking a tranquil dam fringed with water iris, willow, birch and white gums. It has a wonderful mixture of softly flowing plants and beautiful formal shapes together with a skilful blending of exotic Mediterranean and native species complimenting the formal structure of the garden. Hosts, Margaret and Max, will spend some time with us to explain their amazing garden.

After a luncheon scheduled at SKYDANCER, the café and gift shop at ASQ Garden & Landscape in Harcourt, we will drive onto Sutton Grange, to Bede and Mary Gibson’s MICA GRANGE. This 3-acre picturesque garden with its sweeping lawns, terraced gardens, rose walk, rockeries, vegetable garden and panoramic views is the perfect place to meander, relax and absorb the beauty of garden and wonders of art. Of special interest is the Sculpture Exhibition and the Fairy Garden and Village surrounding the 200-year-old Yellow Box gum tree. The entrance is along a golden elm driveway surrounded by sweeping lawns and granite boulders, arriving at the old gum tree.

After a garden tour and afternoon tea at Mica Grange gardens, The Friends will be able to meander, relax and enjoy the beauty of gardens, the wonders of art and spectacular views. Another beautiful day out in the country, before leisurely heading back to the city.

Image: courtesy of Lixouri website