TIME to spring into your best walking shoes … and grab the camera. There is an abundance of open gardens and flower shows on offer between now and December in the Yarra Valley, the Dandenongs and neighbouring regions that provide the perfect excuse for a weekend drive.
1-2 October
Minton Park, Mount Evelyn
BROAD terraces and sweeping lawns flow down a gentle slope in this extensive, semi-formal garden. Stone walls and brick edgings provide further definition to box-hedged beds of glorious roses and perennials beneath a framework of exotic trees.
Details: Lot 43 Clegg Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
Yankalilla, Taggerty
FOLIAGE, colour and form are prime considerations informal groupings of Australian natives in this garden.
Details: 12 Knafl Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
15-16 October
Providence Ponds, Lilydale
A BARE steep block has been transformed into a vibrant garden reliant on both familiar and less common plants. Wisteria arbour, 150 roses, exotic trees including large golden elm.
Details: 17 The Eyrie, Lilydale, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
15-16 October
Dalblair, Seville
MATURE deciduous trees shelter woodland plantings in a delightful rambling cottage garden. Meandering paths link expansive beds of shrubs and perennials. Spring-flowering clematis, iris, salvias and an extensive area of colour co-ordinated roses.
Details: 65 Ducks Lane, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
Heywood House, Seville
FRAMING views to the Warburton Ranges this relaxed country garden has colourful borders of roses, shrubs and a delightful array of perennials. Irises and perennials in blues and yellows surround a pond.
Details: 50 Linwood Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
22-23 October
Flower Festival – Sassafras
FERNY Creek Horticultural Society’s Flower Festival is a magnificent display of seasonal flowers with plant, cut flower and craft stalls and light refreshments. Held in the surrounds of Ferny Creek Ornamental Gardens.
Details: 100 Hilton Road, 1pm-4.30pm Saturday, 10am-4.30pm Sunday, $5, phone 9755 1882.
29-30 October
Sibbel Garden, Healesville
THIS established Australian plant garden features hakeas, banksias, dryandas and grevilleas in generous beds separated by sweeping lawns.
Details: 120 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
29-30 October
Open Gardens – Upper Yarra
UPPER Yarra Valley Garden Club will hold its annual open gardens weekend featuring five local cool-climate gardens from Three Bridges to Warburton along the Warburton Highway. Proceeds to local CFA and SES units.
Details: Warburton – Wilton Park in Yuonga Road, 12 Dammans Road and Kanowindra at 2 Hooks Road and Three Bridges – 85 Coles Road and 33 Hacketts Creek Road, 10am-5pm, $5 per garden or $20 all gardens. Children under 16 free. Group of 10 or more $15 per person, phone 5966 2828 or 5966 9745.
5 November
Flower Show – Steels Creek
STEELS Creek Garden Club’s annual flower show features an extensive display of named roses, plant sales of unusual plants and delicious Devonshire teas. This year the show will be held at Cuttagee Estate, a magnificent garden which has featured in the Australian Open Gardens program in the past. Proceeds to community groups.
Details: Cuttagee Estate, Willow Bend Drive (off Steels Creek Road), 9am-2.30pm, Free, phone 9730 1673.
12-13 November
Attunga, Thornton
DESIGNED by Paul Bangay, elegant and understated garden rooms frame lovely views over the countryside. Broad lawns hold richly planted beds of shrubs and perennials, with a focal point of pool and fountain.
Details: 82 Rollasons Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
Heatherley, Acheron (Alexandra)
WELL-DESIGNED, this garden sits in harmony with its setting, taking advantage of magnificent views. More than 100 rose varieties, mostly heritage, mingle with herbaceous borders. There is also guided tours of adjoining green tea plantation at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Details: 150 Connellys Creek Road, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
Steward Garden, Alexandra
THIS is a plantsman’s garden with well-chosen plantings designed for year-round colour and foliage impact. Wisteria, clematis, camellias, rhododendrons, vireyas and lilacs frame massed perennials and roses, along with selected iris species and a large collection of unusual bulbs.
Details: 37 Albert Street, 10am-4.30pm, $6.
28 to 31 October and 1 November
The Wallace Garden, Coldstream
THIStwo-and-a-half acre garden has magnificent mountain views.
The three acre garden features a mix of exotic and native plants with standard Rugosa roses and masses of irises providing a spectacular show. Other features are ponds, a dry creek bed, a silver birch forest and new plantings.
There is also a giant garage sale, plants for sale and Devonshire teas. Proceeds to Victorian Animal Trust and cancer research.
Details: 7 Madden’s Lane, 9am-6pm, $5.
