The Open Gardens Australia Celebration Garden is a lasting tribute to Open Gardens Australia’s (OGA) 33-year history (1987-2020) and success in opening almost 20,000 gardens and raising more than $6 million for charitable causes.
Inspired by the theme ‘artistry of gardens’, the Celebration Garden features a mix of Australian and exotic plants used to reflect the diversity and spirit of gardens showcased by OGA.
The garden is designed to embrace visitors and includes a ceremonial space, as well as landscape features designed to create an inspirational oasis for contemplation.
Mrs Tamie Fraser AO was the patron of Open Gardens Australia. Open Gardens Australia has generously funded the development of this garden.
Designed by Neil Hobbs for Harris Hobbs Landscapes
Constructed by Able Landscaping Pty Ltd in 2017
Opened 2nd April 2017
- Brick paving referencing the local red bricks from Yarralumla Brickworks to mark the entry
- 'Secret mortar' sandstone walls. The stone is from The Blue Mountains, constructed by Rock Solid masonry
- Radial hedges representing rays of sunshine breaking across the land
- Stone letter-cutting of the sandstone welcome plinths by Ian Marr, a stone cutter from Araluen, NSW
- Stainless steel representation of the OGA 'growing spade' logo by Geoff Farquhar Still of Artillion
- A shallow spun steel bird bath in the centre of the space, as a focal point and reflection pond
- Two entry points to the garden space, each a mirror of the other, with the layout reflected on the centreline
- Bench seating.
Trees and shrubs | Acer 'Crimson Sentry' Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium' Acer 'Bowhall' Banksia serrata Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' Buxus microphylla japonica Buxus sempervirens Chaenomeles japonica Raphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl' Grevillea 'Scarlet Sprite' Callistemon 'Mauve Mist' Osmanthus 'Heaven Scent' |
Accent plants and ground covers | Grevillea lanigera Gardenia radicans Kniphofia varieties Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' Juniperus squamata 'prostrata' Podocarpus lawrencei |