THOSE who would like the opportunity to visit an inspiring Southern Downs garden while supporting Beyondblue – the charity that helps Australians when they’re at their most vulnerable – should mark Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November on their calendar.
That is when talented garden designer Clint Kenny opens The Laurels, his award-winning garden in Warwick, for the very last time.
While beautiful camphor laurel trees have graced the historic home for over a century, Mr Kenny has totally transformed the garden since acquiring the property five years ago.
“It’s been the perfect place to draw lots of my favourite design elements together,” Mr Kenny said.
Now both aesthetic and productive, the popular garden has attracted thousands of visitors on previous open weekends.
There’s so much to explore – elegant, formal garden rooms, a productive kitchen garden, a tree house and children’s garden, and a rustic but enchanting, ‘chook boudoir’ – home to rare breeds of poultry.
Old-fashioned perennials, neatly clipped formal hedges and bespoke garden structures contribute to the garden’s ambience.
Mr Kenny said he often recycles materials when he can, and prefers to incorporate local elements such as stone, gravel and timber.
“These give gardens a sense of place – and often they tell a great story,” he said.
While he designs gardens in various Australian growing regions, Mr Kenny’s Warwick garden showcases plants that survive local conditions – cold winters, hot summers, and often periods of extended dry.
Each day at noon, Mr Kenny will speak on the principles of design incorporated at The Laurels and will be ready to answer visitors’ questions throughout the weekend.
Visitors will be able to purchase plants, local produce, and refreshments and they will also enjoy the display of horse drawn vehicles.
The Laurels at 54 Locke Street, Warwick, is open Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November from 9am to 4pm daily.
Entry is $5.
