JESSE NEILL
LOCAL gardening gurus Alan and Ruth Irving will be opening up their garden to the public this weekend for charity.
Located on their own Al-Ru Farm in One Tree Hill, the Irvings’ garden stretches over 10 acres and features a range of colourful flora that progress through the seasons.
Mrs Irving has created a series of spaces with their own distinctive style and palette of plants, and continues to expand the garden.
“I think I have a bit of ‘gardening greed’ because I always have plans on the go,” she said.
“Gardens are a moving, living thing and gardening is one of the most complicated art forms – it’s never stagnant and it’s always changing.
“I also like lots of colour in my garden, so that’s what I aim for all year round.”
The couple will be exhibiting their impressive display for Open Gardens SA, a not-forprofit organisation that welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year to South Australia’s finest private gardens.
More than 50 gardens participate in Open Gardens SA events and the organisation is overseen by a dedicated committee of South Australian garden lovers including designers, horticulturalists and garden owners.
Mrs Irving said the program has a range of benefits for visitors, garden owners and the wider community.
“For visitors, there’s at least one thing about a garden – no matter how big or small – that they can appreciate and find something they enjoy.
“On the other hand, it’s actually good for us garden owners to have a deadline and be forced to upkeep the garden and get it ready for visitors.
“We donate all proceeds to charity and have nominated the local Country Fire Service and Uniting Church as our chosen organisations (this time).”
The One Tree Hill Uniting Church will supply teas and lunches for visitors, while the CFS will look after the gate takings.
There will also be stalls selling plants, garden sculptures and jams from the local area.
Mrs Irving will be running a guided walking tour of the gardens at 11am and 2pm each day.
Tickets cost $8 for general entry, concessions and Open Gardens SA members are $6 and children will get in free.
Al-Ru Farm is located at 1016 One Tree Hill Road and opens to the public on Sunday September 22 and Monday September 23 from 10am-4.30pm.