A GARDEN is opening for the first time as part of the annual “Weekend in the Gardens – Connecting Communities” exhibition this year.

The weekend will invite visitors to explore two Griffith gardens, at 87 Jansz Crescent and 17 Stokes Street, 10am-4pm, on November 2-3.

Jill Bestic’s lovely garden in Jansz Crescent hasn’t been open before and features quirky art, a meditation spot and several shady corners under well-established fig, nectarine and persimmon trees.

“The garden has been recently renovated and transformed, with a beautiful dry stone retaining wall creating separate tiers,” says organiser Jane Scroope.

“It backs on to the reserve and has peekaboo views over Red Hill – it’s so restful and quiet here with a real sense of peace.

“It’s not just a pretty garden, it’s a working meditation garden.”

There’s a curved area devoted to meditation and prayer, and little surprises dotted about, like the singing bowl made out of a recycled gas cylinder, colourful ceramic towers and Jill’s own sculptures. There is also an old shed that has been converted into a studio, a gorgeous grapevine and scents of rock roses and rosemary.

Jane’s own garden has opened previously and dates from the late 1930s. It has been developed over the past 16 years and Jane is trying to achieve self-sufficiency, she says.

There will be a plant stall of plants from both gardens, a raffle, Christmas cakes, homemade morning and afternoon teas available, handmade retro-inspired aprons made from donated fabric, along with Japanese water chains and Aboriginal artworks from the Warlukulunga Art Centre of Yuendumu, where Jill has worked.

Weekend in the Gardens is now in its fifth year and all funds raised will assist isolated communities of Aboriginal and rural families in WA.

Jane says “Weekend in the Gardens” also builds community in Canberra. “Friends, family and local acquaintances pool their creative resources to produce amazing homemade items as well as sharing some great days out in inspiring gardens,” she says.

“The target of this outreach is the Aboriginal community living in and around Three Springs.

“The money goes towards practical projects such as supporting education, gardens and food banks.”

“Weekend in the Gardens” at 87 Jansz Crescent and 17 Stokes Street, Griffith, is on November 2-3. Entry is $10 for two gardens. All funds to the Good Samaritan Rural Outreach in Three Springs, WA.