An historic Woodend estate given new life by world-renowned garden designer Paul Bangay will be open to the public for the first time in more than a decade later this month.
Formerly the site of Woodend’s Catholic school, the Enchanted Gardens of St Ambrose feature a sweeping, tree-lined drive and a formal European-style garden across more than 1.2 hectares.
Present owner Carolyn-Michelle Stawiczny says Bangay, who bought the property in 1997, spent close to 10 years transforming the dilapidated country chateau.
‘‘It’s something completely unique. Because it was his personal residence, Paul put an enormous amount of love into it,’’ she says.
Ms Stawiczny says autumn is the perfect season to tour the garden’s many rooms.
‘‘All of the trees still have leaves, so depending on how much sunshine we get, they should be giving that spectacular autumn glow.
‘‘And the hedges are immaculate; they’ve all been beautifully trimmed.’’
Works by botanical artist Craig Lingerwood will be on display when the gardens, at 7 Wood Street, Woodend, open from 9am-4pm on April 16 and 17. Cost: $20 Details: st.ambrosefarm@bigpond.com
