WITH better than recent-average rains, the gardens of the Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs and the Mysti
While there is just one garden open under Australia’s Open Garden Scheme (AOGS), Highways at Sassafras, over the next three months, the beautiful, award-winning Alowyn at Yarra Glen and Bruno’s Sculpture Garden at Marysville are also open on a regular basis.
The many magnificent, established public gardens in the Dandenongs are also, and always, a rewarding stroll.
Highways, 7 The Crescent, Sassafras
HIGHWAYS’ magnificent deciduous trees are a feature of this rambling hills garden surrounding an English-style house.
Paths encourage exploration of shady woodland areas which open onto mixed borders planted for year-round interest.
Other features are a hot border, stone-walled sunken garden and a rock-edged pond.
The garden is 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres).
Highways is open 29 and 30 January, 2011.
Entry: $6
Alowyn, 1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen
ALOWYN is a four acre garden designed with shade and comfort in mind.
Plants are named and labelled to educate and inform visitors about the garden.
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.
Alowyn is open Sundays and public holidays – closed June, July and August.
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.
Since the 2009 bushfires when the gardens, gallery and many of the sculptures were lost, Bruno has been working tirelessly to restore the sculptures and the gardens to their former glory.
The progress has been substantial, in fact, amazing, and with recent rains, and many of the sculptures restored or renewed, a walk through Bruno’s magical world is very much a renewed magical experience.
Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Gardens are open seven days a week.
Entry fee applies.
