Woodend’s Flint Hill garden promises a captivating botanical experience and is opening to the public this Saturday to raise funds for the Woodend Fire Brigade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a one-off chance to visit one of the finest gardens in the state, which includes mature trees and plantings that are listed on the National Trust tree register. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A grand vision, which began in the 1930s, has matured into one of the great woodland gardens of Australia. The nine-acre garden is surrounded by an impressive eucalypt parkland with views to Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Magnificent specimen trees form a canopy over sweeping lawns bordered by hundreds of majestic rhododendrons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unique display of trees include a lucombe oak on the main lawn north-east of the house, a caucasian fir south-east of the house and a bishops pine near the spectacular mature rhododendrons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other major trees include many gums, large oaks, a large peppermint and three very large sequoias. Winding walks also lead to formal ponds and a lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Numbers are capped, so bookings are encouraged. All proceeds will support the purchase of much-needed equipment for the Woodend Fire Brigade, which is a 100 per cent volunteer service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Woodend Fire Brigade 2nd lieutenant and community safety officer, Sue Hobbs, said the funds would go a long way to supporting the brigade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe CFA provides the Woodend Fire Brigade with vehicles and equipment to suit its brigade risk profile, however, the brigade\u2019s tanker two, rehab and forward control vehicle are actually partly \u2013 or wholly \u2013 funded by the Woodend Brigade (and community),” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We also purchase specialist equipment on our own behalf, that is not covered by the CFA. Hence, the importance of raising funds to maintain our fleet and service to a quality that we believe will best serve our community. This would not be possible without the generous support of our community.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flint Hill will open to visitors supporting the fundraiser on Saturday, October 7, from 10am to 3.30pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entry is $15 for adults, children under 15 free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n