This week in the Macedon Ranges (April 8-14)

Welcome to Your Macedon Ranges for Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14.

🏡 Six homes in the Macedon Ranges and surrounding area will be opening on April 21 for Sustainable House Day. Tours of the homes will highlight sustainable features ranging from Passivhaus construction to off-grid living to gradual improvements.

🍰 The talents of the CWA Central Highlands Group will be on display in Lancefield on April 20-21. The Creative Arts Exhibition will feature everything from bakes and preserves to stitching, knitting and photography.

🧄 Have you planted your garlic yet? It’s not too late. Duncan Cocking shares his tips for growing garlic in his article below the event guide.

🎉 And finally … it’s three years since the first edition of Your Macedon Ranges! Thank you so much for supporting this newsletter: firstly, by signing up to receive it – I appreciate that greatly. But also by recommending the newsletter to friends and family, buying me coffees, and emailing me. Your kind words and support mean a lot.

Here are the events and activities happening in the Macedon Ranges this week:

Click the links for more info 👇

Monday, April 8

Photography Macedon Ranges Photographic Society Tech Night: Portrait workshop with Steve Sheddick. Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek. 7pm.

Tuesday, April 9

Sustainability Heat Pump Info and Q&A: Find out about hot water heat pumps in this session organised by Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group. Woodend Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest St, Woodend. 7.30pm-9pm. Free.

Wednesday, April 10

Nature Hanging Rock Citizen Science Walk: Look for koalas, insects and Hanging Rock’s black rock skinks on a walk to the summit. Guided by council officers Simon Purves and Tanya Loos. Hanging Rock Reserve, South Rock Rd, Woodend. 10am-12pm. Free.

Game Canasta Club: Join a friendly group to play the card game Canasta. Beginners welcome. Macedon & Mount Macedon Community House, 47 Victoria St, Macedon. 2pm. $2.

Singing Woodend Warblers: Community choir. Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland St, Woodend. 7.30pm. $10 (first session free).

Thursday, April 11

Entertainment Dolly’s Disco Bingo: Music-based bingo. Mark off songs when you hear them. Kyneton Bowls Club, Mollison St, Kyneton. 6.30pm-8.30pm. $5.

Quiz Trivia Night: General knowledge quiz. Gisborne Golf Club, Daly St. 7pm. Free.

Music Sofa of Fools: Folk music with Stephen Taberner, Jack Fitzgerald Sice and Coral Reid. Malmsbury Town Hall, Mollison St, Malmsbury. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Full $20, Concession $15.

Friday, April 12

Nature Memorial Cross Walk: Join Parks Victoria volunteers on the 9.5km moderate-level McGregor’s Loop walk. Learn about plants and animals as well as the history of the Macedon Regional Park. McGregor’s Picnic Ground, Cameron Dr, Mount Macedon. 9.30am-1.30pm. Free.

Food & Drink Passing Clouds Lunch: Join Kim Cash, from Passing Clouds, to celebrate 50 years of the winery with a set menu by chef Tim Austin. The Kyneton Hotel, Mollison St, Kyneton. From 12.15pm. Three courses $89, Two courses $69.

Author Talk Amanda Hampson – The Cryptic Clue: Melbourne author Amanda Hampson will discuss her new novel in The Tea Ladies cozy-crime series. Kyneton Library, Baynton St, Kyneton. 2pm-3pm. Free.

Saturday, April 13

Exercise Parkruns: 5km fun runs/walks in Gisborne (Dixon Field), Lancefield (Lancefield Park) and Woodend (Campaspe Dr). All abilities welcome. 8am. Free.

Market Kyneton Farmers’ & Makers’ Market: St Paul’s Park, Piper St, Kyneton. 8.30am-1pm.

Market Kyneton Community Market: Bric-a-brac, art, clothes, plants, food and local produce. Ebden St & Yaldwyn St West, Kyneton. 8.30am-1pm.

Walk The Macedon Ranges Circuit: A 20km hike to Camels Hump. Organised by Hiked. Mount Macedon Hotel, Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon. 9am-3pm. $60.

Gardening Garden Pests and How to Control Them: Learn about the creatures in your garden. Pest control becomes easy when you change your perspective from having a garden to having an ecosystem. Leaf, Root & Fruit, 21 Dettmanns Ln, Kyneton. 10am-3pm. $100.

Gardening Tuberous Begonia and Fuchsia Show: Hundreds of nursery-grown tuberous begonias. White House Nursery, 691 Ashbourne Rd, Ashbourne. 10am-4pm.

Food & Art High Tea Watercolour Pencil Sketching Class: Learn the art of sketching food and indulge in tasty delicacies. With artist Alissa Duke. Dromkeen, 1012 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek. 11am-1pm. $95.

Garden Viewfield Open Garden: Majestic trees with brilliant autumn colour, stunning views, a fruit forest, a children’s fairy garden, perennial gardens and a sparkling stream through shady fern glades. Viewfield, 651 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon. 11am-4pm. Adult $10, Child (under 16) free.

Wine Wilimee Wine Barrel Tasting Tours: Winemaker Ben Ranken will take you through his wine barrels, including the ferments of the 2024 vintage and a unique five-year-old underwater pinot noir. Wilimee, 72 Powells Track, Goldie. 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm. $20.

Music Colours of Autumn – Jared Brentnall: Live music from Jared Brentnall. Wombat Forest Vineyard, 189 Springhill Rd, Denver. 11am-5pm.

Poetry Chamber Poets: Poets young and old, new and experienced share their poetry in a supportive environment. All welcome to participate or listen. Woodend RSL, Anslow St. 1pm. Entry $10, Concession $5.

Music Montgomery Rodeo: Country, rock and pop music. Mount Macedon Hotel, 694 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon. 1pm-4pm.

Beer Brewery Tour: See how beer is brewed. Holgate Brewhouse, High St, Woodend. 3pm-4pm. $25.

Drink & Music Sunset Gin Cocktails and Canapés: Enjoy cocktails that showcase Big Tree Distillery’s premium gin. Music performed by West African musician Aboubacar Djéliké Kouyaté. Big Tree Distillery, Hennerbergs Rd, Newham. 4.30pm-6.30pm. $95.

Food & Music Music in the Vines: Two-course meal, plus live music with Marina Kefford. Glen Erin at Lancefield, 200 Rochford Rd, Lancefield. 6.30pm-9.30pm. Adult $90, Under-18 $55, Under-12 $30.

Music Ollie: Live music in the bar. The Victoria Hotel, High St, Woodend. 6.30pm-10pm.

Music Shout Out To The Girls: Featuring Juliarna Clark, Sage Roadknight, Lizanne Richards and Mariah McCarthy. Part of the Live and Local in Community Halls series of music events for the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Newham Mechanics Institute, 1292 Rochford Rd, Newham. 7pm-11pm. $15.

Music The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show: Tribute group Gypsy will perform all the hits. The Telegraph Hotel, Hamilton St, Gisborne. 8pm-11pm. $25.

Music Radio Free Alice: Post-punk band. Major Tom’s, 57 Piper St, Kyneton. 8.30pm-11pm. $15.

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Sunday, April 14

Motoring Lancefield Car & Collectables Swap Meet: Cars and motorbikes on display. Stalls plus food and drink. Lancefield Park, Chauncey St, Lancefield. From 7am. $6.

Market Daylesford Sunday Market: Daylesford Railway Station, Raglan St. 8am-3pm.

Market Romsey Market: Bric-a-brac, woodwork, jewellery, candles, handmade goods, and food vans. Run by Lancefield Romsey Lions Club. Romsey Skate Park, Cnr Main St & White Ave. 9am-1pm.

Open Gardens The Real Gardens of Lyonville: Visit five private gardens. The garden at Fleurs de Lyonville will be opening separately. Lyonville Hall, Cnr Bremner Ave & Gleeson St. 9.30am-4pm. Five gardens $25. Fleurs de Lyonville $25.

Gardening Tuberous Begonia and Fuchsia Show: Hundreds of nursery-grown tuberous begonias. White House Nursery, 691 Ashbourne Rd, Ashbourne. 10am-4pm.

Food & Drink Force of Nature Autumnal Lunch: A collaboration between farmer, chef and winemaker and a celebration of autumnal produce. Lyons Will Estate, 60 Whalans Track, Lancefield. From 12pm. $95.

Music The Rattlers: Folk/country band. Part of the Live and Local in Community Halls series of music events for the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Kyneton Museum, 67 Piper St, Kyneton. 12pm-4pm. Family $10, Adult $5, Concession/Student $3, Child (under 5) $2.50, Child (under 2) free.

Food & Drink A Taste of the Deep Creek Valley: Five-course lunch showcasing the diversity of seasonal produce grown and produced in the Deep Creek Valley. DV Cider, 39 Darraweit Valley Rd, Darraweit Guim 12.30pm-5pm. $200.

Beer Brewery Tour: See how beer is brewed. Holgate Brewhouse, High St, Woodend. 3pm-4pm. $25.

Music Live Music at Gindu: Featuring Charlotte Ryssenbeek (violin) and Edwina Cordingly (cello). Gindu, 4/80 High St, Woodend. 3pm-5pm.

Exhibitions

Kyneton The Old Auction House: Exhibition: Jacklyn Foster, Changing Hues (group). Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Kyneton Art on Piper: Exhibition: Tatania Korinfsky. Every day 10am-4pm. Gallery’s 6th birthday celebration April 14, including meet the artists 2pm.

Kyneton Unmasked: A celebration of nursing and midwifery. Mon, Thu, Fri 10am-3pm.

Kyneton Stockroom: Exhibitions: Laura Woodward, Joshua Cocking, Angela Hayes. Thu-Sat & Mon 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Kyneton Cusack & Cusack: Fri-Sun 10am-3pm.

Kyneton Kyneton Ridge Artspace: Exhibition: Melbourne Collage Assembly (group). Sat & Sun 11am-5pm.

Kyneton Trio Art Studio & Gallery: Exhibition: Poetry in Print. Sat-Mon 10am-4pm.

Mount Macedon The Gallery: Exhibition: Portraits on the Mount. Fri-Tues 10am-4pm.

Mount Macedon Artanica: Exhibition by Mount Macedon & District Horticultural Society’s botanical art group. Mount Macedon Horticultural Society Hall, 583 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon. Sat-Tues 10am-4.30pm. Opens April 13.

Newham Art in the Vines: Sculptures by 26 acclaimed artists. Every day 10am-5pm.

Trentham Trentham District Story: Outdoor display telling the story of Trentham from its earliest Indigenous inhabitants to the present day. Open every day in the grounds of the Old Police Station, 3-5 Camp St, Trentham.

Trentham Little Gallery: Fri-Mon 10am-4pm.

Woodend The Back Shed Gallery: 33 Urquhart St, Woodend. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.

Coming up

History Walk Malmsbury’s Remnant Bluestone Heritage: Learn about Malmsbury’s bluestone history and visit some of the village’s bluestone buildings. Walking tour with Susan Walter, from Malmsbury Historical Society. Malmsbury Town Hall, Mollison St, Malmsbury. 1.30pm-3pm. $5. April 20.

Music A Classical Celebration: The Gisborne Singers, soprano Merlyn Quaife, and the Macedon Ranges Chamber Orchestra will perform works by Mozart, Haydn and Handel. Conducted by Luke Severn. Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ebden St, Kyneton. 2.30pm-5pm. Adult $55, Concession $45, Child (under 12) free. April 28.

Anzac Day Mt Macedon Dawn Service: Access via bus only, including shuttle buses from Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon. Memorial Cross, Mt Macedon. Service starts at 6am. April 25.

Have a great week!

Richard

P.S. I’ve tried my best to ensure accuracy, but please follow the links above to confirm details before attending events.

🍂 If you enjoy gardens and gardening, there’s lots to see and do in the Macedon Ranges this autumn. Click here for local autumn garden events.

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Growing great garlic

GARDENING

Horticulturalist Duncan Cocking, who runs Kyneton-based Leaf, Root & Fruit, explains how to get the best results from your garlic crop.

I planted my garlic crop in the first week of March. There’s still some time to plant your crop, but get a wriggle on.

Growing garlic is super-easy. Cultivate the soil well. They are light-feeding plants (more on this here) so don’t add nitrogen-rich fertilisers or compost.

Always choose your biggest garlic bulbs for planting. Break them up into individual cloves and pick the largest ones (smaller cloves are best used in cooking).

Plant the garlic bulbs pointy end up, a few centimetres deep. I planted mine in rows about 40 cm apart, with an inter-row spacing of about 15 cm. Other folks recommend tighter planting spacing. I don’t think it matters a great deal.

Winter rainfall should provide adequate irrigation. Garlic is a low-maintenance crop. You don’t need to do much to care for the plants other keeping weeds at bay – they hate competition. Mulching with straw or something similar will help keep the weeds suppressed.

It’s important to remember that garlic takes a long time to reach maturity and is not harvested until well into summer. Avoid planting it in a space you’ve earmarked for planting out in spring, or you’ll find your patch double-booked.

🌱 I’m running a workshop on May 18 about propagating plants, including grafting fruit trees. Click here for details, plus more workshops and garden tours.

Happy gardening!

Duncan

🧄 For more gardening tips see my latest planting guide and garden update.

In the news

🌸 NEWBURY: Frogmore Gardens has been listed for sale. See Claire Takacs’ stunning photos and read about the gardens here (PDF).

🔥 MACEDON RANGES: Fire restrictions will end on April 15.

😎 What’s on for kids in the last week of the school holidays? Click here for a guide to school holiday activities.

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