About

Veguary is back for its second year and it’s shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year! Across two inspiring weekends, we’re opening the gates to a diverse mix of amazing gardens, each showcasing unique and practical approaches to productive growing.

It’s not just about ornamental gardens (though we definitely have a few stunning ones in the mix!). Veguary is all about celebrating the many ways people grow food. Whether you’re working with a sprawling backyard, a cosy courtyard, or anything in between.

Our goal is simple: to get you inspired, outside, and growing, and ultimately eating, more home-grown food. Come explore, learn and connect with a community that loves to grow just as much as you do.

General Event Information

To keep the Veguary Open Garden Weekends safe, enjoyable, and respectful for hosts and visitors, please note:

Weather & Conditions

• This event is weather dependent; severe weather may require changes or cancellations.
• Dress appropriately for the conditions—sun protection, jackets, hats, etc.
• Many gardens include grass, gravel, uneven terrain, or steps.

Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes are reccomended for all properties.

Pets

• No pets permitted at any garden (for safety of animals, visitors, and biosecurity reasons).

Smoking & Vaping

• Strictly no smoking or vaping on any property.

Toilets

• Most gardens do not provide toilets.
• If a garden has a facility (e.g., a port-a-loo), it will be noted in its profile.

Open Gardens for Weekend Two

1A Dixon Street, Stratford

This small suburban garden wraps around a sustainably designed home, where productive plants serve multiple purposes. Espaliered fruit trees provide summer shade, garden paths capture leaves from the school next door to feed the soil, and the yard blends edibles, ornamentals, sculptures, and clever microclimates. It’s beautiful, functional, and incredibly thoughtful.

Go here if you want to see
How productive plants can provide shade, beauty and food; standout fruit trees; and clever house–garden integration.

Parking
Residential street parking in Stratford. Please be mindful of neighbours.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Mostly easy walking with deck and ramp access. Some areas require careful footing.

Risks
Open low water tank, friendly dog onsite, minor tripping hazards.

224 Lees Road, Bushy Park

The kind of people who never throw anything out (which is exactly what we want for VEGuary!). Their family farm has old fruit trees, olives, grapes, chickens, a wicking bed, ponds, bees, and a beautifully hedged vegie patch. They’re experimenters at heart, whether it’s reworking garden layouts, growing edible plants, or making their own biochar.

They also have the thickest wisteria trunks you’ll ever see.

Go here if you want to see
Biochar making, thriving old fruit trees, upcycling in action and extraordinary wisteria.

Parking
On‑site parking available on the farm.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Grass, stepping stones and uneven ground.

Risks
Farm animals, snakes, bee hives and water features.

80 Queen Street, Maffra

This garden grows what the owners love to eat, especially the expensive stuff. The suburban block is dotted with fruit trees, chickens, ducks, ponds, and a vegie patch. Containers and pots are used cleverly to grow food anywhere and everywhere while also keeping it safe from the feathered residents. The property also has one of the most stunning persimmon trees in town.

Go here if you want to see
Container growing ideas, backyard poultry systems, clever upcycling and a standout persimmon tree.

Parking
Residential area. Walk if possible and please be neighbour‑friendly.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Narrow paths and uneven areas.

Risks
Chickens and ducks, small ponds and uneven footing.

44 McMillan Street, Stratford.

Open again for the second year! The property focuses on productive, sustainable systems including wicking beds full of vegetables, fruiting plants, a greenhouse built from recycled windows, and a chicken tractor system that improves soil while managing old crops. Tiny houses on site demonstrate how efficient living and food production can work side by side. Plus, incredible sculptures dotted throughout.

Go here if you want to see
Wicking beds, chicken tractor systems and tiny houses integrated into a productive garden.

Parking
Parking available out front. Please park respectfully and avoid impacting neighbours.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Mostly even terrain with a few steps.

Amenities
A composting toilet is available in the guest tiny house.

Risks
Undulating land, livestock nearby and potential snakes.

5 Carpenter Street, Maffra

This small suburban block has no lawn and is full of edible plants, natives, sculptures, and recycled features. Apple tree varieties have been cleverly grafted onto four trees to provide fruit over several months. The garden also includes espaliered fruit trees as a front hedge, a hot house, and uses the aspects to grow citrus and a grafted avocado tree on the north side. It’s an example of outside-the-box thinking and design, showing just how much food you can grow in a small space.

Go here if you want to see
A suburban food forest, native and edible plant integration, upcycling and smart small‑space design.

Parking
Limited parking. Please walk if possible and avoid impacting neighbours.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Uneven paths and mixed surfaces.

Risks
Compact garden with obstacles underfoot — take care where you step.

389 Redbank Road, Stratford

This creative and practical garden reflects that combination perfectly. The Stratford acreage includes a large, productive orchard, a strong and beautiful vegie-growing setup, and a bunch of smart recycled features built on site (including a mattress spring used as a climbing frame). The garden is beautiful, functional, productive, and full of ideas you can take home and use yourself.

Go here if you want to see
Creative recycling, inventive garden structures and a well‑established orchard.

Parking
Paddock parking available on the day.

Pathway Terrain / Accessibility
Grass, gravel, uneven surfaces and a few steps.

Risks
Sheep nearby, uneven terrain, possible snakes and Chilli the dog may greet visitors.