Gardening Australia visits MHOS 2025
- Cindy Watson
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
With only three sleeps to go until our studios are officially open there's a buzz of activity in the Hills. Artists are busy creating, framing and polishing; studios are being tidied, cleaned and organised; we’re putting out the Welcome Mats and trying not to stress. It’s exciting, and a little nerve-wracking!
For most of us the next two weeks represent the culmination of twelve months’ work, but for a special few, Mundaring Hills Open Studios offers the chance to display years, if not decades, of dedicated toil as they prepare to open both their studios and their gardens to visitors.
The team from Gardening Australia called in last week to film some of the wonderful Hills gardens and I was lucky enough to tag along and get a sneak peek.
First up was Yvonne and Ken Wadley’s lovely bush block “Sylvanup” in Mahogany Creek. I originally visited in early Winter, and whilst it was full of interesting corners and the promise of colour, Spring is definitely the best time to take a stroll through this tranquil garden and admire the variety of plants including mature trees, natives and colourful imports, cultivated over 15 years. It’s easy to imagine visitors taking the opportunity to enjoy Yvonne’s art after a relaxing walk through such a restful environment.
Friday morning started bright and early with a visit to Log Cabin Studio in Darlington. Ian and Belinda Kay’s garden offers a different style of Hills experience with a gentle slope, well established trees, magnificent rocks and interesting sculptures. Ian spoke about how he has acquired his considerable toolbox of skills over a lifetime of fixing and making things. The log cabin house nestles perfectly into the garden and the shady veranda enables a variety of views. If you love the play of sunlight and shadow and a great variety of greens to soothe your senses, this garden is definitely one to visit.
Finally I caught up with the crew at Silvana Ferrario’s extensive garden and Siju Glass Studio in Mahogany Creek. The long tree-lined driveway is a wonderful introduction to the mix of cultivated and natural gardens, with the studio placed at the rear of the house. Silvana’s husband Chris has been instrumental in helping to create an interesting space with a delightful lily pond complementing a variety of sculptures by the talented Brian Plank.
Inside the studio Silvana’s beautiful glass art is displayed to great effect, reflecting the light, so that the luminous colours are shown to advantage. Siju Glass Studio is also hosting the very talented Christine Hingston who will show some of her gorgeous expressive landscapes, amongst other works, and Brian Plank who works with metal to create visually arresting kinetic sculptures. Visiting this studio will definitely be a delight for the eyes.
Many thanks to Josh Byrne and the crew from Gardening Australia who very kindly allowed me to gate-crash their filming. Whilst we don't yet have an air date, hopefully this will give you a taste of just three of the marvellous gardens on offer at MHOS 2025.
Best wishes to all artists in this year's Open Studios: may all your visitors be friendly, your bank accounts full, and the gods of creativity continue to shine on you.
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