By Dongyun Kwon
Award-winning accommodation chosen by travellers is opening its beautiful garden for a good cause.
Yarra Gables in Healesville, formerly known as Marna House, is inviting both locals and visitors to visit the open garden and is offering an exclusive opportunity to explore the grounds, with all proceeds will be donated to Healesville Inter-Church Community Care Inc (HICCI).
Yarra Gables owner Helen Wood said HICCI is very much in need of extra funds coming into Christmas.
“They’re needing to support more people than they normally would at any other time of the year, and so these funds will be used to go towards that,” she said.
“HICCI’s also conscious that there’ll be some people who need help but may feel hesitant to reach out and ask for help.
“I hope this encourages people to step forward if they need some extra support.”
Yarra Gables has been rated number one for two years running by Trip Advisor in Australia and the South Pacific and also rated in the top 10 properties in the world based on guest reviews in its accommodation category for its outstanding design, exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere.
The garden is a real highlight of the property and often the talk of locals about town.
Helen Wood and Ralph Henderson, the current owners, have made extensive changes to the grounds, and it is now an explosion of seasonal blooms with a mix of mature trees and newly designed garden.
During the Opening Garden, guests can meander through the pathways, relax in one of many picturesque settings and enjoy a Devonshire Tea or a glass of wine on the lush lawns.
“Local artists will be setting up their easels and painting, and visitors will be able to see artists in action,” Ms Wood said.
“There’ll be outdoor games, both for the kids and the adults, and beautiful places to wander or sit and enjoy the lovely garden that now complement this iconic property.”
Visitors will also have a chance to hear about the 120-year history of the property, see photos of it through the decades and understand the stories behind the walls that have witnessed generations of change at Marna House.
Apart from Opening Garden, Ms Wood has run a clothes swap at Yarra Gables for the last nine years to help raise donations for HICCI.
“It’s a bunch of girlfriends who get together and recycle fashion, and we make a small per-head donation of $20, and that money goes to HICCI every year,” the Yarra Gables owner said.
“My management consulting company TMS Consulting matches whatever money we raise during the clothes swap each year and donates that to HICCI as part of our Christmas donations. We also donate the leftover fashion at the end of the day to local op shops.
“Recycling fashion is great for reducing landfills. It’s also good for the environment.”
The garden will be open between 10am and 3pm for two days on 22 and 23 November.
The entry ticket is $5 along with Devonshire Tea, a scone and a glass of wine will be on sale on site.
Staff from HICCI and Yarra Gables are donating their time to collect entry fees and help run the event.
“There is no obligation to buy anything else. They can just have a wander around the garden but if they want to do this with a scone or a glass of Prosecco that can also be purchased on site.” Ms Wood said.
“There will be lots of lovely places to sit in the garden and places for the kids to play. There is a cubby house and a fairy garden which our guests love.”
