When Robyn Snowdon moved from a six and half acre property in Oxley to her new home on about 910 square metres in Wangaratta six years ago, she brought a few of her favourite plants with her.

The existing garden already had good bones, put in place by the previous owners, including mature trees, hedges, fences and paths, which suited Robyn's love of symmetry and the home it surrounds.

"But there weren't enough flowers for me," she said.

"Over the last few years I've tried to complement and enhance what was already here by planting a variety of flowers and shrubs.

"Flowers are like the icing on a cake in a garden."

Robyn describes her central Wangaratta garden as a mix of cottage and formal in style, and she has added flowering perennials to the generous beds which border the lawn in shades of pink, purple, blue and white, sometimes contrasting them with silver foliage.

She removed a vegetable patch and a Hills Hoist in the backyard and added about 30 camellias, also adding standard roses around the period home, which are just about to burst into bloom.

There are multiple microclimates offering private places to sit and enjoy the cool surrounded by shade-loving species including daphne and hydrangea, and opportunities in small spaces are maximised with espaliered olive and star jasmine.

A recent addition is a stunning mirrored gate; an eye-catching folly which has the effect of trompe-l'oeil, deceiving the eye and giving the illusion of a never-ending private garden space.

"I'm full of ideas," said Robyn.

"I spend a lot of time in the garden - it's my happy place."

Robyn's garden at 21 Crisp Street will be open to garden-lovers during the Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta's Open Garden fundraising event being held on Sunday, 19 October from 10am to 4pm.

Three gardens are open on the day, including a sustainable edible garden at 5 Crisp Street, and a bush garden showcasing native species and abundant birdlife at Morrisons of Glenrowan in 30 Kays Lane.

Refreshments will also be available to purchase at Morrisons, including tea, coffee and cake.

Entry is $10 per garden or $20 for three, available to purchase online at trybooking.com/events/landing/1441581, or by cash at the gate, with all proceeds directly supporting communities in the remote district of Lacluta, Timor-Leste.

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What's on in brief

The Songs of Shirley Bassey show

Award-winning songstress, Danielle Matthews, will sing the hit songs of the legendary Shirley Bassey on Friday, 17 October at 10.30am at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

Hear iconic songs that made Shirley Bassey one of the most famous performers of our time, including Goldfinger, This is My Life, Big Spender, Diamonds Are Forever and Where Do I Begin.

A highlight of the Wangaratta Seniors Festival, tickets are available at wpacc.com.au or by visiting the box office.

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Wangaratta Sport & Recreation Expo returns

The Wangaratta Sport & Recreation Expo provides a valuable opportunity for young people to engage with local clubs and organisations, and to learn more about what’s available in their community.

The 2025 Expo will be held on Friday, October 17 from 3.15pm to 6pm at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, and will feature over 20 stallholders, including local clubs, leagues and organisations showcasing their programs in both outdoor and indoor spaces.

Activities on the day include Come-and-Try Cycle Sessions from 4.30pm and 5.15pm, guided tours of the centre’s gym facilities at 4pm and 5pm, with food and drinks available near Barr 2.

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Moyhu Lions Garden Expo on Saturday

The Moyhu Lions Club welcomes everyone to their annual Garden Expo being held at the Moyhu Lions Park on Saturday, 18 October from 8am to 12pm.

Stallholders will be showcasing everything from plants, gardening tools and chooks, to art, craft, giftware and local produce, along with a range of refreshments.

There will also be a flower competition from 8am, with an open section and a junior section (for ages 14 and under), a grafting demonstration, children's potting and face-painting, plus stalls from local community groups, and the chance to win a wheelbarrow full of gardening gear in the raffle.

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Seniors invited to have a go with a bow

Enjoy an introduction to archery when Wangaratta South Sports Reserve hosts a Have a Go with a Bow session on Saturday, 18 October from 9.30am.

Part of the Wangaratta Seniors Festival event program, participants will learn the basics in a fun, safe environment and pick up some new skills, hitting the gold in no time.

All are welcome to the Wangaratta South Sports Reserve located at 58 Shanley Street.

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