Cake

Galloping Gourmands and Garden Lovers

by

By Connie Lambeth

It’s hard work dashing here and there when there’s an overzealous passion for Autumnal splendour. However as long as there’s a choice of good food at the end of the trail, all is well!

What do Gardens and Galloping Gourmands have in common one might ask, before leaving the comfort of their cafe-laden suburb? In the experience of this GG there is usually a good hot beverage and tempting baked treat to enjoy after a bit of garden exploration. Sometimes there are some unexpected and inspirational moments, such as a recent expedition to stunning Linden Garden in Melbourne’s Alphington. After a quick run around the greenscape, all eyes (and legs) headed in the direction of the food and beverage stall. Here we discovered that this particular stall was supported by the Inner North Community Foundation in Carlton, and through the Charity Mission Australia, who operate the Charcoal Lane Culture Program, Koorie youth are engaged in hospitality training and employment as part of a Social Enterprise Cafe.

So now almost over the excitement of at least one combined ‘food and garden feast’, TAT Gourmet thought it timely to share some other Open Gardens, so as to catch this scheme before closing for good at the end of June. Most are open 10am to 4.30pm and usually around $8 entry per person. Check out an Open Garden if a lover of home baked scones, tasty cakes and treats, or if have a passion for the vibrancy of exotic trees at this time of the year…before gardens ‘bed down’for the cooler months.

 

For Food and Garden Lovers:

 

Open Gardens Australia

www.opengarden.org.au

Check out the calendar of Open Gardens in several states still running events.

Bookings not required.

(Sorry Tassie and N.T the scheme is over).

 

VIC

Cruden Farm (Langwarrin)

Sunday 10th May – MOTHER’S DAY!

Bring a picnic or enjoy the refreshments available/Tours and Talks

Please note this is $15 entry however you get more for your buck!

(the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s garden)

 

Tugurium (Macedon)

Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May

(Stephen Ryan former host of Gardening Australia’s garden)

 

(Mt. Macedon also has several other Open Gardens open to the public daily)

 

NSW

Rosie’s Garden (Woollahra)

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May

 

Annie’s Garden (Edgecliff)

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May

 

QLD

Bellis (Wynnum)

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May

(Jerry Coleby Williams from ABC Gardening Australia’s garden)

 

S.A.

Wairoa (Aldgate)

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May

 

W.A.

Gandhara

Saturday 6th and Sunday 17th May

 

For Culinary Adventurers:

 

If you’d rather skip the Appetiser and head straight for the Main Course check out the following Food Events:

 

Good Food and Wine Show/Melbourne 5th – 8th June

Perth 10th – 12th July

Sydney 7th – 9th August

Brisbane 30th October – 1st November

goodfoodshow.com/au

 

QLD

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival/14th – 17th May

www.noosafoodandwine.com.au

 

TAS

Dark Mofo Winter Feast/17th – 21st June

www.darkmofo.net.au

 

S.A

Barossa Gourmet Weekend/26th – 28th June

www.barossa.com

 

N.T.

Darwin Festival/26th – 23rd August

This festival is an exuberant celebration of food and the arts in a great location. A winning combination of music, theatre, dance, comedy, stunning cuisine and outdoor events under blue blue skies…book early for the Great Winter Escape!

www.darwinfestival.org.au