After weeks of preparation, this Sunday marks the return of the Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Winter Heritage Fruit Tree Festival.
The festival is one of the largest fruit tree gatherings in Australia, a day to celebrate growing fruit trees and preserving heritage varieties.
On the main stage, Craig Castree will offer grafting demonstrations and answer gardening questions. Scion will be available to purchase to add to your fruit trees, as well as rare and heritage fruiting plants and trees. There will be pruning demonstrations and you can walk through the orchard on a guided tour and hear about its journey over the past few years. You can also join the Werribee River keeper for a tour along the river, listen to talks from Werribeeks on beekeeping or learn how to create worm farms by Wormlovers.
Enjoy live music, watch the blacksmith at work, grab a bite to eat, and browse the stalls selling all things gardening and more. Be inspired by the thriving community gardens and explore the historic buildings dating back to the 1800s with visits from Friends of Werribee Park dressed in farm attire.
The orchard dates back to the 1870s when Thomas Chirnside started planting his orchard with fruit trees included peaches, grapes, apples, quinces, pears, a variety of plums and several other fruits, as well as walnuts and olives.
All activities are free, with a gold coin donation for parking. The festival runs from 10am to 3pm and is a ‘must-attend’ event for all gardeners.
In partnership with Parks Victoria, a community group was formed in 2010 to look after the orchard. New volunteers are always welcome, no experience required. To become a volunteer, register with ParkConnect – www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/Account/Login/Register
