Hollingdale in Sassafras is a showcase for woodland species.
THE gardens of the Dandenongs provide a cool retreat in summer and are a delightful way to spend an afternoon as visitors discover all the many charming villages which dot the ranges.
Five gardens will open their gates to visitors in the new year under Australia’s Open Gardens Scheme. Opening times are 10am to 4.30pm and entry is $6.
In the Yarra Valley, Alowyn is a private garden which is open throughout summer.
Venture on to Marysville where Bruno’s Sculpture Garden is open every day.
14-15 January
Gentiana
138 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
A MUST for plant enthusiasts, Gentiana is the private garden of well-known plantsman Craig Wilson.
Sheltering beneath beautiful mature trees are mouth-watering collections of summer perennials, bog plants and rare and unusual woodland plants including arisaemas, trilliums and hostas. Features exhibition of Pierre le Roux sculptures.
Hollingdale
2 The Crescent, Sassafras
MATURE deciduous tress and mountain ash shelter camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and a vast array of bulbs, perennials and woodland species in this plantsman’s garden including liliums and peonies. Features two-acre ferngully with a flowing creek.
21-22 January
The Nook
5 Tavistock Road, Monbulk
ARBOURS of roses and clematis enhance areas of romantic and colourful cottage-style plantings. Mature walnut trees shade woodland plantings of hydrangeas and hellebores.
Discover the secret garden and a rock garden filled with treasures.
Fernhill
4 Anderson Street, Kallista
ENGLISH-STYLE terraced garden of ornamental shrubs, trees and hedges is home to a choice collection of Alpines and woodlanders.
Ornamental grasses, salvias, penstemons, geraniums, sedums and achilleas bound on lawn terraces with other shady area plantings.
11-12 February
Henry Garden
3 Eugenia Court, Boronia
A BROAD diversity of Australian natives feature in a lush green water-wise haven displaying strong structure and good use of space.
Unusual plants include cabbage-tree palms and native hollyhocks.
Features a bog, sand and vegetable gardens and interesting sculptures.
Gardens for Wildlife accreditation.
Alowyn
1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
Open weekends and public holidays
ALOWYN is a four acre garden designed with shade and comfort in mind.
The gardens have been developed into six distinct areas, the perennial border, the dry garden, edible garden, forest garden, parterre garden and display gardens.
A feature is the magnificent 100-metre long wisteria and rose covered arbor.
Entry fee applies.
Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden
Falls Road, Marysville.
THE original and unique artworks of sculptor and painter Bruno Torfs, and the beautiful gardens by the Steavenson River continue to bring joy and inspiration to visitors to Marysville.
The planting is an eclectic mix of native and exotic plants, many donated after the 2009 bushfires, creating a unique and magical garden experience. The gardens are open seven days a week.
Entry fee applies.
