On Friday 4 Nov 2022 seven adventurous members visited four stunning gardens in Castlemaine. Early start with 2 cars at 8 am. 1st garden was MOSSBANK this garden was established in 1986-87 on 3 acres of a mixture of exotics & native plantings, beautiful trees include white cedars, pinoak, chinese elms, grevillias, acacias & leptosperums. Features espaliered fruit, enclosed vegetable gardens in raised beds, orchid, olives, grapevines & beehives. The owners encourage Land for Wildlife on the property. Hostess Judy offered refreshment & lovely cake for small fee. We sat in the glorious sunshine to listen to the birds around us in this tranquil spot. 2nd garden was WEEMILLAH sitting on top of a hill on the outskirts of Castlemaine with views to Mt Franklin & Mt Alexander the garden has been taking shape since the house was built in 1990. 5 acres with approx 2 acres under garden. There are formal, cottage, vegetables & natives with an orchard. A beautiful brick pathway is lined with 48 standard red roses which unfortunately were only in bud but will be magnificent when in full bloom understoried with catmint. Not a space for any weeds in this garden. 3rd garden was BIRDSONG an urban garden embracing the verge. An abundant and enticing urban garden block overflowing with natives, flowering perrenials & annuals. The garden was developed to have a positive effect on the enviroment and to encourage biodiversity. An extensive verge garden using modified Hugelkultur technique was established on a difficult slope. All plants on the verge were placed in low boxes not planted in soil and are thriving. Vegetables & fruiting trees are grown in wicking beds. Chickens happily assist with composting. Lots of quirky creative yet practical upcycled materials are used throughout the garden with every space in use. We then stopped for lunch in town at RUN RABBIT RUN a quirky cafe with basic small menu , lovely friendly staff & yummy food. 4th garden THE GARDEN OF WAVERLEY after more than 150 years , this garden continues to delight. The garden is in 2 parts the front faces west this features a granite block front wall and an elevated garden behind. Roses , agapanthus & irises. The rear garden faces east the feature of this space is the original 2 story stables and large european trees which give height structure and important shade in summer. There are several large pots filled with exotics and water and quirky statues with a hidden pathway to a gorgous purple clematis, lots of colour roses and classical english plants. We then went to Th Green Folly nursery which is plant heaven, opened by Michael McCoy and Professor Tim Entwistle, this well set out garden was a joy with tables and chairs to enjoy a cuppa lots of plants on sale. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had.