Pam Chynowith’s garden at Sarsfield is one of the gardens that is part of Bairnsdale Rotary Sunrise Gorgeous Gippsland Gardens, this Sunday, October 13.
The 2019 bushfire devastated 90 per cent of Pam’s garden (at the same time the fire cleaned up a couple of neglected corners that had been neglected).
After the fires the department took out eight full sized eucalyptus north of the Old Sarsfield Pub on the bank above the Great Alpine Road. They had to be removed before the road could be opened.
Pam was sad to see these magnificent trees go.
Of around the 300 roses, only a handful have survived. Pam has since replanted many roses and has gradually built up the numbers. Currently there are approximately 200.
After the fires not many natives regrew. She-Oaks took six months to decide to live and by then Pam had replanted the area. As a result, some places are a bit crowded.
The garden has lost many plants in the last four years. Many more survived and are flourishing. Grevillea’s, which don’t like wet feet and other plants, which are supposed to love the same conditions, did not.
Plants not seen in 20 years at the garden have miraculously appeared and are most welcome.
The weather over the past four years has promoted plant growth and weeds. It’s a large garden and a lot of hours have gone into restoring its beauty to make it beautiful.
The garden is a treasure trove of unusual plants, abundant plantings, rambling pathways and sculptures which magically integrate into the landscape.
The Gorgeous Gippsland Garden Day is a wonderful opportunity to visit these gardens and admire their vision and restoration.
The open garden gives everyone a chance to see it.
Pam is grateful for all the support and encouragement she has received after the setback of the bushfires, “we have been blessed”.
Tickets can be purchased from at Humanatix (Gorgeous Gippsland Gardens) and Bull Botanics (next door to the Exchange House).
Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise is offering homemade soup and rolls at the Sarsfield Hall from noon-2pm.
