Goyder Gardens, crowned “Event of the Year” in 2022 is back again to the delight of garden lovers, far and wide. Held across the weekend of October 28 and 29, it’s set to be the perfect garden getaway before the sweltering Summer kicks in.
Founded by a passionate group of green-thumbed enthusiasts, Goyder Gardens celebrates the creative spirit of home gardeners, and this year is hosting two rockstars of the garden world, Mark Barnett and crowd favourite ABC’s Gardening Guru Sophie Thomson.
Mark, a garden designer and advocate for climate-compatible gardening, will guide you on how to choose the right plants, drawing from his success in creating a stunning garden in Appila, surviving harsh Summers and chilly Winters. Catch his talk on Saturday afternoon with your chance to pick his gardening brain.
The ever-popular Sophie, will grace the event with her gardening wisdom. Sophie’s talk will revolve around keeping your garden cool during the scorching summer months. Her practical tips will not only leave you inspired but also help your garden thrive.
Avid garden lovers know the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden. Emma Lewellyn is the practicing Therapeutic Horticulturalist at the Botanic Gardens and is bringing her “Beginner’s Guide to Nature Journaling” workshop to Burra where she will guide you through simple exercises and teach you how to find and create relaxation and purpose by recording the beauty within your garden and beyond. Hurry, though, as there are only 20 spots available for this free workshop.
The stars of Goyder Gardens are no doubt the gardens themselves. Following your ticket purchase you’ll receive maps and addresses to explore 14 charming gardens across Burra and Farrell Flat. Each garden has its own unique appeal, and is a testament to the dedication and creativity of local gardeners like the ultimate upcyclers “Bec and Daniel” who show their fascinating repurposed garden ideas, using old machinery as garden statement pieces.
A family friendly event, you can browse the stalls at Wandillah, have some lunch, listen to music, buy some plants and garden art while enjoying a Devonshire tea. Art lovers aren’t left out with local artists Denise Officer, Jill Foster, and Glenys Christopher displaying their art to admire and purchase. A group of artists from The Collective at Clare will also be displaying and sharing some of their work at the Burra Railway Station. Or why not try your hand at basket weaving? Marie Broad will be sharing her skills creating useful craft in this popular and growing pastime.
For the boot scooting dance enthusiasts, you can pump out your best moves at the Burra Bush Dance on Saturday 28 at Burra Town Hall. If you’re keen to learn the ropes, there will be a Bush Dance Demo and Tutorial at 10am before the Hootenanny Main Dance, kicking off at 7pm. Brought to you by the SA Traditional & Bush Dance Society, it’s a guaranteed knee-slapping good time!
And don’t forget to check out the Burra Market on Saturday morning before you trot about soaking up the glorious gardens. There’s always plenty to see and buy.
Goyder Gardens is a celebration of the gardening lifestyle in South Australia’s Mid North and an opportunity to learn, be inspired, and enjoy the beauty of nature as well as a chance to enjoy a weekend in and around beautiful Burra.
Mark your calendars for a blooming good time!
Click here to find out more.
Goyder Gardens
October 28-29
Tickets $20, under 16 free
