this weekend.

Lyonville garden Reverie, set on 4.2ha, is a work in progress by artist Mel Ogden,

who has lived on the property for 10 years creating installation art and adding to the

garden.

"The garden is artifice

rather than an attempt to re-

create nature," Ms Ogden

said.

"It is strongly based upon experiences of landscape spaces in the Northern

Hemisphere where I grew up."

Her intention is to create a composite space of 13 interrelating parts.

"Each space has a shifting visual emphasis through the seasons to highlight different

elements of each space, thus altering its relationship with the adjacent spaces," she

said.

"Pattern, rhythm and repetition of form are used to create these relationships."

It is the first time Reverie will be included in the Festa.

Festa patrons will be able to attend two performances of 17th century Spanish and

Italian dance music at Reverie.

Victoria's leading early music ensembles, Traumerei and La Compania, will per

form on period instruments.

Local group kenBuddha, a unique brand of percussion, guitars and synthesiser, will

also perform.

Ms Ogden encouraged visitors to the garden to bring a picnic.

"People are most welcome to enjoy their own picnic in the garden," she said.

The garden will open on Saturday and Sunday between 12.30pm and 5pm.

Traumerei and La Compania will perform at

11.30am and 5pm on Saturday, while kenBuddha will perform at 5pm on Sunday.

Concert seats are limited.

To book contact Mel Ogden on 5348 5668.

Other open gardens of the Festa include Wombat Park Estate, Holyrood House,

Maple Hill, Thai Villas in the gardens of Argus Hill House and Bellinzona.

Other features of the Festa include the blooming banquet at the Daylesford Town Hall which includes a three course dinner.

It will start on Saturday at 7pm. Cost is $45.

The flower show will be held at the hall on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to

5pm. Admission is $5 adults,

$3 student/concession. Children under 14 free. Entry to open gardens is $20 for a

golden pass and $6 for individual gardens. Entry to Bellinzona is free.

 Full programs are available at

the Daylesford Regional Visitor

Information Centre or at

www.swissitalianfesta.com