By Alesha Capone
A HIDDEN paradise in Werribee, more than a century old, is being brought back to life by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The Werribee Park Heritage Orchard, which dates back to the 1870s, was recently re-discovered after being forgotten for a few decades.
But the Werribee Park Heritage Orchard Committee aim to rejuvenate the historic site and they want to share the area with Wyndham’s residents.
An Orchard Discovery Day and Bud-Grafting Workshop will be held on Saturday 12 February from 11am-2pm, including tours, demonstrations of ‘budding’, Bush Tucker walks and ochre face painting for children.
Bud-grafting involves taking old scion wood off existing trees and grafting it onto the rootstock of young trees, to produce more trees of the same variety.
A member of the orchard’s committee, Heather Marcus, said historic quince, pear and apple trees still grew in the orchard.
“Many of the lovely old trees are still there,” she said.
“When you go down there, it’s just like you’re in another world, the peacefulness, the quietness and serenity.
“What I enjoy most about the orchard is the location and the fruit trees. When I was a little girl we lived on a farm with an orchard.”
Ms Marcus said the discovery day included a “fantastic program of events” put together by a “very hard-working committee”.
During the event, she will dress in a heritage gown and direct visitors to the orchard.
“This is what the committee is all about, to restore the orchard to its former glory so the people of Australia have the opportunity to come and see it,” she said.
Visitors should wear walking shoes and bring a sunhat, sunscreen and water to the event.
See www.werribeeparkheritageorchard.org.au for more information.
