Bay OK Open Native Gardens
Description
Discover the beauty and diversity of South West native gardening during the Bay OK Native Open Gardens Weekend, a celebration of native gardens, biodiversity, and community learning across Busselton and Dunsborough.
The Bay OK Native Open Gardens Weekend invites the community to explore a collection of stunning private native gardens opened exclusively to the public, showcasing creative landscaping, local plant species, and wildlife-friendly design. Meet passionate local gardeners, gain inspiration for your own garden, and learn how native plants can create thriving habitats for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Alongside the open gardens, enjoy guided walks through local reserves and hands-on gardening workshops covering native plants, FireWise gardening, healthy soils, and creating wildlife-friendly habitats. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired.
This is a chance to slow down, learn from each other, and celebrate the important role our gardens play in supporting birds, pollinators, wildlife, and the unique character of our region.
Please bring:
Suitable closed-in footwear for walking through gardens and reserves
Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen
Water bottle
Come along, be inspired, and connect with your community while discovering the beauty of native gardening across Busselton and Dunsborough!
View full program below.
Saturday activities are based in Busselton.
Sunday activities are based in Dunsborough.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 0491 069 078 or info@geocatch.asn.au
This event is supported by:
Program - Saturday 10 October (all activities in and around Busselton)
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Entry to four gardens in Busselton
Step inside four inspiring native gardens in Busselton and discover practical ideas for creating beautiful, resilient and wildlife-friendly gardens at home. Hear directly from gardeners as they share their experiences, challenges and successes growing native plants. 10-minute talks by the garden host hourly from 10:30am. Information stalls from local community groups and agencies will be present at some of the gardens. Location: Open Garden locations supplied to ticket holders via email the week prior.
- 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Workshop - Gardening with Native Plants
Gain expert tips on selecting, establishing and maintaining native plants suited to the South West. Presented by horticulturalist Rod Cary of Geographe Community Landcare Nursery. Location: Geographe Community Landcare Nursery
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Workshop - Habitat Gardens
Learn how to design a garden that provides food, shelter and nesting opportunities for local wildlife. Presented by field ecologist and naturalist Clint Conner (The Forest’s Familiar) Location: Geographe Community Landcare Nursery
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Ambergate Reserve Guided Walk
Discover the unique flora and ecology of Ambergate Reserve on a guided walk through this important natural area. Numbers strictly limited. Registration essential. Location: Corner of Queen Elizabeth Ave and Doyle Rd, Ambergate
- All day
Geographe Community Landcare Nursery nursery tours - free, no registration required
GCLN inc. is a not-for-profit volunteer-based nursery specialising in local, native plants from the South-West of Western Australia. The Nursery will be open for sales with nursery tours available, Get expert advice on selecting, growing and caring for native plants suited to local conditions and have all your questions answered by expert horticulturalist, Rod Cary.
Program - Sunday 11 October (all activities in and around Dunsborough)
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Entry to Open Garden and FireWise Garden talk
Visit this expansive native garden on a Dunsborough acreage block and see firsthand how local plants can create a vibrant and resilient landscape. 10-minute talks by the Open garden host at 10:30am and 11:30am. Information stalls from local community groups and agencies will be present at the open garden. Location: Open Garden locations supplied to ticket holders via email the week prior. Explore the demonstration FireWise Garden with interpretive signs scattered throughout. FireWise garden talks at 10:30am and 11:30am with GeoCatch's Lisa Massey. The Dunsborough Fire Station will open its doors with crew to answer your questions. Location: Dunsborough Fire Station on Marri Drive
- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Local Reserve Guided Wildflower Walk
Join a guided walk and discover the rich diversity of native plant species found in Dunsborough's local reserves. Location to be confirmed.
- 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Workshop - Bio-Logical Ways to Build Better Soil
Healthy soil builds a healthy garden and this workshop will show you how! Learn the secrets of healthy soil that supports thriving plants and productive gardens. Presented by soil biologist Mark Tupman (Productive Ecology) Location: Soils Dunsborough
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Workshop – Wildlife Friendly Gardening
Discover practical ways to create a garden that attracts and supports birds, pollinators and other native wildlife. Presented by consulting ecologists Mike and Mandy Bamford (Bamford Consulting Ecologists) Location: Soils Dunsborough
FAQs
- Will there be parking?
There will be limited parking available at each event location during the Open Gardens weekend. Please park where sign posted and be considerate of neighbour's driveway entries.
- How much time needed between gardens?
You can visit the open garden locations in any order you wish, so the travel time will vary depending on this. Please allow enough time to travel between gardens if you wish to attend the 10-minute garden owner talks, which occur hourly from 10:30am.
- What is accessibility like?
All gardens are accessible to wheelchairs, although some particular areas of gardens may not be suitable. The Busselton gardens have sections of manicured grass and wood mulch. The Dunsborough gardens are on gravel and grass.
The guided walks are on narrow, gravel tracks with uneven ground in places and require a good level of mobility.
- Are the workshops indoors or outdoors?
The workshops are seated undercover, with opportunity to walk around outdoor areas.
- What are the locations of the open gardens?
Open Garden locations will be supplied to ticket holders via email the week prior.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
