THE Autumn Festival of Country Gardens will kick off on Friday May 1 with a very special event in Northcliffe.
A guided tour, led by officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), will take participants to see the aftermath of the devastating recent fire at Northcliffe.
Participants will learn of the experience of the Northcliffe bushfire, including the effects of prescribed burning, and explore different parts of the fire ground. The tour will observe how some properties were at less risk of bushfire attack then others and what key points fire fighters used to decide whether they could defend a property or not.
The tour will meet at 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start from the Northcliffe Visitors Centre, and take about two hours. It will conclude with afternoon tea at the Visitor’s Centre. Participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes. Cost is $5. Enquiries and bookings to 0427 426 160.
Also on Friday May 1 will be the Sundowner at the Cidery, with live music from the Riders from 5.30-7.30pm.
On Saturday May 2, there will be a guided walk through the world collection at the Golden Valley Tree Park in Balingup, led by Dr Chrissy Sharp, at 9.30am.
From 2-4pm there will be special demonstrations on the veranda at Wag Walters, Ford House, in Bridgetown, featuring hats, scarves, wraps and gloves with handbags and jewellery to tone in with still-life, autumn-focussed arrangements.
From 6pm to late will be the Salute to Autumn at Emporium Bistro.
Gardens will be open from 10am-5pm on the Saturday and Sunday in Donnybrook, Balingup, Bridgetown, Manjimup and Pemberton.
