Melbourne is full of some beautiful public parks and gardens, but there’s a whole treasure trove of private gardens just waiting to be discovered. That’s where Open Gardens Victoria comes in. This volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation will showcase a mix of picturesque gardens from both passionate home gardeners and talented Australian landscape designers. This spring, you can wander through some lovely and unique spaces around Victoria, from native gardens to historic homesteads. Bookings are available now, and more gardens will be revealed as we get closer to spring.
Open Gardens Victoria
Whether you’ve got a green thumb, or you just like to admire pretty things, you’ll have a blooming good time discovering these delightful gardens around Victoria.
“Our garden selectors have been busy behind the scenes curating a fantastic line-up of spring gardens sure to inspire,” said Acting Chair Dr Karen White. “With the growing recognition of the mental health benefits of nature and green spaces, our mission is to encourage everyone to get out and visit all kinds of gardens.”
Highlights include:
Eden Rise & Binchy’s Garden
When: September 28 and 29
These two coastal gardens have a focus on Australian natives. You’ll find Eden Rise in Woolamai, with amazing views out to Western Port Bay, French and Phillip Island. Head south for 20 minutes and you’ll find Binchy’s Garden, filled with a collection of rare and endangered species, gathered over 20 years by horticulturalist and garden owner David Binch.
Bickleigh Vale Village
When: October 12 and 13
In the 1920s, landscape designer Edna Walling created an enchanted village for herself and her friends at Bickleigh Vale in Mooroolbark. Celebrate 100 years of this massive project by exploring eight of the gardens. This stunning location is recognised by the National Trust as a classified landscape. It’s also listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its aesthetic, architectural, historical and horticultural significance.
Eungella
When: November 2 and 3
Eungella in Olinda is a lush garden that’s filled with rare and endangered native flora. There’s plenty of cool areas to check out, including a snow gum walk filled with 21 snow gums.
Banool
When: November 9 & 10
This historically significant stone home in Ringwood North was built in the 1930s. Banool is set within a 1.7 acre garden, which was designed by Paul Bangay in 2006. Walk around and admire the mature trees and colourful flowers. When it opens to the public, there will also be entertainment and morning and afternoon teas.
Verdicus
When: November 16 and 19
Explore the 3.6-hectare garden, Verdicus, in the Macedon Ranges. Created by landscape designer Bruce Honey, this garden uses circles to create controlled garden areas within the space. Admire avenues of trees, a crescent parterre, a vegetable garden and seasonal spring plantings.
To see the full list of gardens available for visiting, as well as dates, times and ticket prices, click here.