Event Highlight: Native nursery & coastal garden tour

Our March gathering on the Mornington Peninsula brought members together for a beautiful day of learning, connection and inspiration. The Native Nursery & Coastal Garden Tour offered an immersive experience into the richness of Australian horticulture, exploring the diversity of native plants alongside thoughtfully selected exotic perennials, all grounded in place, landscape and community.

We began at Shoreham Native Nursery, where renowned native plant expert Kate Skvor generously shared her knowledge and passion. Her guided tour offered valuable insights into plant selection, coastal resilience and the unique beauty of Australian natives in designed landscapes.

Mid-day, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch at Georgie Bass Cafe & Cookery in Flinders. We were welcomed into a private indoor seating area at the rear of the café, providing a comfortable and intimate space to gather. Known for its fresh, regionally sourced menu and seasonal dishes, the café offered the perfect setting to share conversation, reflect on the morning’s discoveries and recharge before the afternoon garden visit.

The day continued with a visit to the private coastal garden of Jo Ferguson and Simon Hazel, where we were warmly welcomed into a beautifully layered and evolving landscape. Jo and Simon shared the story behind their garden, offering thoughtful reflections on design, planting decisions and the ongoing relationship between people, plants and place.

It was a privilege to experience such generous sharing of knowledge and creativity across both sites, and to witness the different ways gardens can respond to climate, coast and community.

Days like these are a reminder of the value of coming together – to learn from one another, to share ideas, and to celebrate our collective passion for plants and gardens.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to welcoming you to the next EWHA event soon.