Paradiso was to open on January 27 and 28 as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme.

Owners Stefan and Jan Nechwatal said they were not prepared to risk water reserves to bring the garden back to life.

"Even though we have designed and built our garden with hardy water efficient species and heavy mulching the garden this year, 2006 has simply not received anything near adequate rain. On top of this unprecedented daily frosts

killed plant species which are normally frost hardy," Mr Nechwatal said.

"The garden has basically fallen over in the last few weeks and we are not prepared to risk our water reserved to try to bring it back."

The Nechwatal's have been working towards the fourth and final AOGS for the last 12 months with a lot of passion.

The opening was to include a display of sculpture and garden furniture drafted by Mr Nechwatal.

"As in our previous events here which have been open to the public preparation and presentation are our two buzz words. We are very proud of our 18 years of development of our property Paradiso and we are not prepared to open

it to Garden/Art visitors when it is not up to our standards or expectations," Mr Nechwatal said.

Mr Nechwatal can be contacted on 5348 6600 regarding his arts business garden arts, sculpture and furniture.