On Sunday 20th November over three hundred garden and history lovers enjoyed the Rockford Open Day organised by Mylor Heritage Society (MHS). Rockford owners, Kym Milne and Jane McLaren had kindly allowed the MHS to hold this event in their magnificent garden, and what a success it was! 
A perfect day for such an event; light breeze, warm sun, beautiful surroundings, and a forest of magnificent trees to enjoy, gave visitors an unforgettable day.
Speakers included Ann Herraman of the Mt Lofty and Districts Historical Society, who rendered a fascinating perspective on the historical context of the Rockford house and estate, followed by reminiscences of Sam White (1939 to 1955), and Jim Travers (1955-1965), sons of former owners, who kept their audience entertained with stories of their early life on the property.
People snapped up the Devonshire teas sandwiches and cakes made by the Mylor Red Cross and the aroma of the CFS barbeque ensured that all were aware of their presence. Throughout the day the Heritage Society served a selection of lovely wines from Bird in Hand winery. 
During the lunch break, visitors were entertained by “Choral Garden”, an a capella group directed by Ms. Jodie O’Regan. Jodie and her partner Emlyn sang some beautiful duets in the garden, and the entertainment segment finished off with Chris Hansellman on flute, accompanied by guitarist Joy Craill.
The second round of talks featured television gardening presenter Sophie Thomson who gave an inspirational talk on sustainable gardening, with emphasis on making plants thrive, minimum water use, and environmentally friendly gardening. Sophie assured all present that a side benefit of these practices would minimise maintenance time.
The last speaker, Dean Nicolle, noted arborist from Currency Creek Eucalyptus arboretum, reclassified the major trees at Rockford and recommended five species to be added to the "National Register of Big Trees". Dean extolled the beauty and virtue of big trees including some magnificent specimens within the Rockford garden, and exhorted his audience to plant at least one each. He added that having done so the planter may never see that tree in its full glory, but a couple of generations from now that tree will be appreciated by many.
On the verandah, many browsed the Heritage Society display covering the history of Johnny Staples’ humble shop/cottage (the Mylor Bootmaker’s Shop), and progress on its conservation.
Mylor History Group’s display on the verandah featured lots of historical material on Rockford, original owner David Murray, and his gardener John Wright who became the second owner of the property.
Speakers were all thanked by MHS President Jane Goldsmith and presented with their choice of a bottle of Bird in Hand wine, a bottle of Bird in Hand Olive Oil, and a jar of The Bird and the Bees honey straight from the hives of Jane McLaren.
Mylor Heritage Society greatly appreciates the assistance provided by our sponsors.
- Bird in Hand Winery enabled MHS to serve wines to our visitors at a significant discount
- Jurlique donated products worth $250 for our 1st gate prize – Won by Kay Bass, of Mt Barker
- Raywood Nursery donated a large smokebush, a Magnolia and a rose - 2nd, 3rd and 4th gate prizes
Proceeds from the event (almost $3000) will enable the next stage of the conservation of the Mylor Bootmaker's shop. On 26th November, an able band of volunteers will line up to learn about setting up formwork, mixing lime mortar and recreating the rammed earth walls that boot maker Johnny Staples built 106 years ago. Fundraising will necessarily continue until the project is complete.
Keep abreast of what's happening in Mylor Heritage at http://heritage.mylor.org.au/.
