Daffodils were first planted at St Erth in the 1950’s. Today they number in the 10’s of 1000’s and carpet the lawn with a golden glow during September.
In summer, the perennial border showcases drought tolerant perennials.
The temperatures at St Erth can be extreme, with over 40 degrees in summer and snow in the winter. The plants in our borders need to stand up to harsh conditions.
During Diggers Harvest and Spring festival, Clive and Penny Blazey open their home to the public.
The architectural style has been called an imposing Gothic Revival, but inside the house is an intimate family home.
The Garden of St Erth is a cool climate garden and hellebores provide a welcome splash of colour in late winter into spring.
Shades of pink, white and plum are a welcome sight after the darkness of winter.
The Garden of St Erth
Secret gardens, delicious food, be inspired.
Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood, VIC 3458. Melways ref 609 E11.
GPS S:37°28.638' E:144°17.484'
Garden entry: Free for Diggers Club members, $10 per adult.
Children under 16 free.
Garden and nursery open every day 9-5. Closed Dec 24-26 and Good Friday.
Ph: 03 5368 6514
For wedding and function enquiries please contact us directly on (03) 5368 6514
The Garden of St Erth features an extraordinary range of espaliered fruit, heirloom vegetables and drought tolerant flowers. Thousands of naturalised daffodils carpet the lawns in September, and through the summer months the herbaceous border features Diggers perennials and grasses. The garden culminates in an extravagant display in March for our Autumn Festival. May marks the end of our gardening year with a blaze of autumn-coloured trees and late perennials.
Cocooned in the Wombat State Forest, the bush garden plays host to a variety of native birds, as well as being a place of restful contemplation. The natural spring of Koban's pool is a cool place to escape the summer heat.
“Just 90 minutes from Melbourne and 40 minutes from Daylesford and Ballarat
The Diggers Club is committed to sustainable gardening and visitors will find inspirational ideas for gardening organically, becoming more self-sufficient and saving precious water while still enjoying nature's bounty. We are continually refining the garden, looking towards a greener future. As the previous owner, Tommy Garnett, once wrote, "No garden is ever finished, for gardens are apt to be transitory creations". We hope you enjoy your visit to the Garden of St Erth.
History
In 1854 Matthew Rogers, a Cornish stonemason, left Sydney in pursuit of gold discovered near Mount Blackwood in Victoria. In the 1860s he built a sandstone cottage, naming it 'St Erth' after his birthplace in Cornwall.
Rogers attached a wooden building to the western end of his stone cottage which served as a post office and store. Behind it was a boot factory that formed part of a bustling town of 13,000 people.
His daughter Elizabeth and her husband Jim Terrill continued at the store, but as gold ran out, the wooden buildings of the town were moved to Trentham. For a time the house lay empty and the bush moved back in. Eventually it was bought by a group of Melbourne businessmen who called themselves the Simmons Reef Shire Council.
What's on
Feb
26
Growing and Preserving Herbs
No kitchen garden is complete without herbs! They add flavour to meals and can be used in skin care, potpourri, companion planting, medicine, and pest control. They smell divine and are extremely helpful for attracting beneficial insects and bees into your garden. They are a must for anyone who cooks or gardens or both!
Mar
10
Autumn Festival at St Erth
Come along to the garden of St Erth over Labour Day weekend for their annual autumn festival. Join in a free garden tour, book into a masterclass or take part in a free workshop. Support local producers by purchasing their wares at our produce market on Sunday and Monday and don’t forget to stop by the St Erth shop to buy all your perennials and fruit trees for autumn planting.
Mar
10
All About Soil masterclass
Join our very own composting expert, Keith and CEO of Munash Natural Fertilisers, Ian, and learn everything you need to know about soil. Includes a tour of St Erth's food forest and a light lunch
Mar
11
Gardens of a golden afternoon
Visit Lambley Gardens and the Garden of St Erth, two of Victoria's finest perennial gardens, and listen to owners David Glenn and Clive Blazey discuss their visions for them.
A wonderful chance to meet these keen plantsmen and bring your catalogues to life.
