Train enthusiasts and garden lovers are in for a treat next month. Daylesford Spa Country will take them on a journey through bush and farms to two renowned country houses properties for an open garden fund-raiser for Phoenix @ The Rex.
The restored heritage train runs to the highest operating railway station in Victoria at Musk, a short walk from the two gardens.
Saturday, 11 October, is the day to see Musk Manor, whose garden features on the ABC’s Open Garden programme this month and Musk Farm with its astonishing and beautiful 15 “garden rooms”.
Musk Farm began as a school before closing and falling into disrepair. The late leading designer Stuart Rattle bought it in 1998 and spent 15 years transforming the grounds into a semi-formal 1.4 hectare garden with “rooms” joined by paths and hedging, each aspect having a fascinating focus.
Inspired by grand estates in France and England, the “rooms” call up different emotions, with rare and unusual plans and a vast variety of hydrangeas, rhododendrons, viburnum and bulbs.
Thousands of daffodils and bluebells are under-planted in the woodlands. Other highlights including a fernery and rose-filled summer garden.
Musk Manor, on the other hand, is a younger garden, marked by highly scented plants such as daphne, sweet box, choisya, Osmanthus, roses and scented flowering bulbs and restful mountain views.
Through leaf change and the blending of tones the colours bring to mind an artist’s view of a garden.
Free talks on gardens will be given by horticulture authority John Beetham at 10.15am and 11.15am.
Understandably, dogs are not allowed on the open day and there is no parking in the gardens’ road, School Road, Musk.
Trains will leave from Daylesford Station every 45 minutes from 9.30am until the last train at 1.45pm. Trains will continue to bring people back to Daylesford after the gardens close at 3.30.
Lunch may be booked at Passing Clouds Winery, Rodda Lane, Musk, while coffee, wine and local food vans will be at the properties.
Bookings for lunch at Passing Cluds Estate may be made at https://www.passingclouds.com.au/dining-room
Tickets for the return train trip and both gardens are $47.45 for those 17 and over or $42.18 Concession.
To book your train departure time, and catch any train back to Daylesford, please go to: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/dscr/items/662417/?full-items=yes&flow=1374228
