This delightful country garden features the annual Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair

A tree-lined driveway and drystone walls will lead you into the delightful country garden at St Mary’s Vineyard, the location for the annual Limestone Coast Plant and Trade Fair.

Established in 1937, the Mulligan family have created an impressive property with the garden taking centre stage. Over the years, plants and bulbs suitable for the soil and climate have been planted, and now roses, bulbs, iris, hardy perennials, trees, and shrubs surround the classic homestead and outbuildings, adding colour and texture throughout the year. In spring, the many roses are at their best – the flowers of the many modern and heritage varieties, David Austins, and climbing roses create a superb show of colour and fragrance.

The Mulligans have used sandstone rock and plate from a quarry on the property to skillfully and painstakingly construct many metres of drystone walling, pathways, sculptures, ramps, plinths, platforms, and in the front paddock, an outstanding trilogy of tree rings around majestic gum trees.

A passion for fresh, seasonal produce has led to the creation of a substantial kitchen garden in what was once a sheepyard. Using permaculture principles, a range of fruit and vegetables are grown both in raised beds and in the ground, with arches for apples and tomatoes that serve as both decorative and functional features. A shade house is used for growing seedlings and propagating plants.

On the weekend, a diverse range of garden art, trades, food stalls, wine and spirit tastings, and a coffee van will be available.