Al Ru Farm

 Open Garden Scheme

The Open Garden Scheme is a wonderful way to experience private gardens that generally are not open to the public. Al Ru Farm is one I've been wanting to visit for a while and on a perfect spring day was able to go along and see these extensive gardens.

The owners, Alan (Al from Al Ru) and Ruth (the Ru part of the name) bought this property in 1979 to agist some cows and Ruth set about establishing the gardens which now cover 10 acres. They began hosting weddings in 1990 and there are event spaces, plus accomodation on the property.

Al Ru Farm can be found just outside the small township of One Tree Hill, keep going on the back roads and you do end up in the Barossa Valley.

With such extensive grounds, the gardens are spaced into various 'rooms'.

There's a lake with a large open area, from photos it seems this is where a marque can be placed for wedding receptions.

The greenhouse and on the other side of the hedge is the pool area, it was still covered as not warm enough just yet!

The walkway between the greenhouse and the pool, there are a number of 'photography' spots for weddings.

The more formal garden with statues and flower beds enclosed with hedges.

The rose arbour, it was a bit early for roses but a few were appearing. Another photo location for weddings.

There's a large lawned area next to the house and this was set up with tables and chairs. The local church provided lunch and afternoon teas, the Open Garden Scheme is also used as a charity Fundraiser, the gate proceeds for this Open Day went to the Country Fire Service and their volunteers were the traffic wardens on the day. There was quite a crowd that attended!

A rambling part of the garden, there were paths to wander around through the garden.

Yellow irises which I hadn't really seen before. (Just blue ones)

Al Ru Farm was well worth a visit, and it's hugely popular with garden lovers. As the farm hosts functions there were large parking areas that the CFS volunteers directed people to. Having visited quite a few open gardens   this was the biggest crowd I had seen. But as the gardens are extensive, it never seemed cramped and you didn't feel as though people were on top of you. It was certainly a lovely day out!