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Seasonal programs at Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct focus on environmental sustainability, health, wellbeing, gardening, nutrition and history of the site and our local area.
Scroll down to find out about our classes and events.
| Please note: Bookings will need to be made individually for different adult classes, child classes, workshops and school holiday enrolments. |
If you have any issues or concerns, please email us at strathdon@whitehorse.vic.gov.au, so we can directly respond and track your request. Please include your Full Name, Phone Number and Order Number.
Elizabeth and Mary Orchard Wives. Extraordinary Women
Date: 8 March – 5 May 2023
Time: Thursday & Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: Free
No bookings required
To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, a new exhibition curated by heritage volunteers, highlights the lives and work of Elizabeth Fankhauser and Mary Matheson. The two successive owners of the property now known as Strathdon House and Orchard in Forest Hill.
Celebrate World Water Day: Water Play!
For: Children aged 6 – 12 years, accompanied by a guardian
Date: Saturday 25 March
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $5 per child
Bookings required
We’re making a splash this World Water Day! Join us at Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct as we explore the wonder of water by making water-powered cars! Learn why water is so important to the earth, humans, and the animals and plants we share it with.
Make Your Own Seed Paper
For: Adults
Date: Saturday 1 April
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $10 per person
Bookings required
Handmade paper embedded with seeds not only looks beautiful but once planted and watered it takes on a new life in the recipient’s garden! Learn how to create seed paper from scratch at our hands-on workshop.
Autumn Seasonal Cooking
For: Adults
Date: Sunday 2 April
Time: 11am – 1pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $40 per person
Bookings required
Learn how to prepare delicious seasonal dishes using fresh produce from your garden in this practical cooking class. Scott Hitchins will offer useful tips to make delicious seasonal dishes and make versatile, freezer-friendly herb pastes and purees that will continue to brighten your meals throughout the colder months. Enjoy sampling the dishes together and take home jars of pastes and purees made on the day.
Family mosaics - garden paver
For: Families with children 6+ years
Date: Tuesday 18 April & Thursday 20 April
Time: Tu: 10am – 1pm & Th: 10am – 11.30am
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $75 per family
Bookings required
As a family, work together to create your own gorgeous mosaic paver for your garden. This workshop runs over two sessions. A family ticket is for one adult and one child.
Wildcrafting with Firekeepers
For: 7 - 13 years
Date: Wednesday 19 April
Time: 10am – 3pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $85
Bookings required
These school holidays Firekeepers are offering a drop-and-leave holiday program at Strathdon House Precinct.
In a small group, guided by experienced nature connection mentors, participants will have a chance to explore different nature connection and bushcraft skills together.
Kids in the Garden: Micro Greens and Sprouts
For: 5 - 12 years, accompanied by a guardian
Date: Thursday 20 April
Time: 12 noon – 2pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $15 per child
Bookings required
Learn how to grow your own micro greens and sprouts for salads and sandwiches. Sprouts and Microgreens are the quickest food crops to grow, they’re packed full of nutrients and can be grown indoors all year round! This workshop will encourage kids to take an interest in how our food is grown and learn different ways to increase their nutrient intake.
Old Fashion Fun – All Day Art Day
For: 6 - 12 years
Date: Friday 21 April
Time: 9.30am - 3.15pm
Where: Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct
Cost: $85
Bookings required
Take an adventure back in time and discover local heritage with a tour at Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct, built in 1893. Activities include guided tour and nature treasure hunt, drawing with Autumn leaves and nature craft.
