Celebrating a decade of the Celebration Garden
Nestled within the Gallery of Gardens at the National Arboretum Canberra, the Open Gardens Australia Celebration Garden stands as a living tribute to a remarkable national movement that inspired thousands to share the beauty of their private gardens with the public.
From 1987 to 2015, Open Gardens Australia (OGA) opened nearly 20,000 gardens across the country, raising over $6 million for charitable causes and cultivating a deep appreciation for horticulture and community. When the organisation closed its doors in 2015, its final act was one of generosity and vision - funding the creation of the first garden in the Arboretum’s Gallery of Gardens.
Designed by Harris Hobbs Landscapes of Canberra, the Celebration Garden features a graceful curved sandstone wall and symbolic elements including a carved entrance by Ian Marr and a sculpted spade emblem by Geoff Farquhar - Stills. It was officially opened on 2 April 2017, with a dedication plaque unveiled by Mrs Tamie Fraser AO, long-time patron of OGA, who had also turned the first sod in 2015.
The garden honours not only the legacy of OGA but also the spirit of community and collaboration that brought it to life. It was the spark that inspired others - leading to the development of additional gardens in the Gallery, including the Mununja the Butterfly Garden, the AIDS Garden of Reflection, the Gift of Life Garden, and Terra Australis.
At a recent gathering to mark a decade since the garden’s inception, former OGA members, including Mrs Tamie Fraser AO, Helen Stevens, John Mackey AM (Patron of the National Arboretum Canberra) and Andrew Buchanan, reflected on the journey. Their stories highlighted the enduring impact of the scheme and the importance of creating spaces that invite reflection, celebration, and connection.
The Celebration Garden is more than a place of beauty - it’s a reminder of what can grow when people share their passion. As Mrs Fraser fondly remarked, the garden has now “established deep roots” within the Arboretum and “looks terrific.”
We invite you to visit the Gallery of Gardens on the Events Terrace, overlooking the Amphitheatre, and experience the legacy of Open Gardens Australia for yourself. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and be inspired - just as so many were when they looked over the hedge into a neighbour’s garden.