Our plot thickens. An eclectic mix of new businesses have been sprouting around our region, much like our happy daffodils.
If you have a chance to pass through the area this spring, pop in to say hello to these budding attractions.
We’re all looking for something to lift our moods and Woodend General is suited perfectly to those who take joy in beautiful surrounds. Sisters, Lou and Ange Pannell, with years of experience in retail, buying and visual merchandising, and a childhood love of ‘playing shops’, have brought their dream to fruition. Within their ever-evolving and extensive range, you will find items for your home, garden, or a thoughtful gift. Think basket ware, garden tools, kitchen and serving ware, ceramics, home fragrance, textiles, books, leather goods, jewellery, knitwear, baby and children’s clothes and toys, soaps and body products and more. Turn to any corner in this divine store, and you’ll find a hidden gem.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or you have never planted a thing, Farmhouse Seeds have an extensive range of heirloom, open-pollinated and selected hybrid seeds available online. The business grew from Jay Hill and David Ryan’s dream of living a sustainable life. Grow affordable, and nutrient-packed vegetables and herbs with their support and inspiration. Their knowledge will guide you, and they will be cheering you on every step of the way.
It’s exciting to see New Boots Café and The Mud Room space evolve in Newstead. Owners Lou Brown and Lucy Mora have collaborated to create a local hub to supply staples and unique home goods. With a shared door, they complete each other and have become a one-stop-shop for tasty fare, gardening items, preserves and more. Their large courtyard is opening soon to provide for outdoor dining, follow along with their socials for updates.
The last couple of months has given owners, Frank Moylan and Melissa Macfarlane, of Piper Street institutions, the Royal George Hotel and Kabinett, a time to re-invent. They’ve pursued a longstanding desire to create a botanical bottle shop, aptly named Botanik. It’s the perfect blend of plants and booze with vermouth, amaros, aperitifs, absinthes, genepis and digestifs, all sitting with a select range of indoor plants and homewares.
The Farmer’s Wife first opened her doors in 2015 in the sleepy little town of Creswick. Five years on and the business has grown with a local and loyal following. Although timing might not seem ideal, the opportunity to open a second store came along, and owner Bec Mason jumped at the chance. With a reputation for feminine fashion beautifully merchandised in a unique store experience. You’ll find a selection of gifts, baby clothing and toys, homewares, sleepwear and an extensive range of candles, diffusers and body products. Not forgetting The Farmer, there is also a small range of clothing and gifts for men too.
Take a stroll down The Gardener’s Path, and you’ll be quickly greeted by Gordon Muir, the man behind this vibrant nursery. A qualified horticulturist, with over 20 years gardening experience, Gordon has worked at Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory, maintained the floral clock on St Kilda Road, Kings Domain and Royal Park Nursery…basically Melbourne’s most iconic gardens and floral displays. Whether you’re looking for a few indoor desk plants or planning your landscaping masterpiece, Gordon is the guy with the flora and the first-hand know-how to put you on the right path.
About the author
Narenna Bloomfield
Narenna is a country girl at heart, growing up on a dairy farm north of Bendigo. Now living in Kyneton, (her husband’s hometown) she is a busy mum of three littlies. She loves gardening, baking, photography and getting out and about in the area. A favourite day in the region would be a weekly shop at a farmers’ market, meandering through an open garden and finishing with a dinner in one of the acclaimed restaurants along Piper Street, Kyneton.
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