We’re halfway through spring, and what better way is there to celebrate the season than by frolicking among some beautiful spring blooms? It’s a glorious time of year filled with bright colours, layers of precious petals and a wonderful fragrance. We are now on the cusp of peony season, which generally runs from late October to early December. Enjoy the season by visiting some lovely peony farms around Victoria, admiring the blooms and even going peony picking.
1. Romswood Peony Farm
Drive out from Melbourne to the Macedon Ranges and go peony picking at Romswood Peony Farm. Peony picking is limited to 100 people for two hour sessions. Entry is free for children under 18. Tickets cost $50 for peony pickers, and gets you 15 stems. Meanwhile, if you just want to go into the garden and peony fields and admire the pretty flowers, you can purchase a non-picking ticket for $20.
Peony picking is available on November 17, 18, 25 and 26. Session times run from 10:30am to 12:30pm, or 1pm to 3pm. If harvest conditions allow for it, there may be additional picking dates in the future.
As you’re on a working, family-run flower farm, remember to wear proper footwear and bring your own secateurs and bucket. Learn more here.
đź“Ť155 Cherokee Rd, Kerrie VIC 3434
2. Spring Hill Peony Farm
Spring Hill Peony Farm is located in the Central Highlands of Victoria, just over an hour north-west of Melbourne. This year, the peony paddock will be open for picking from approximately November 12 to November 19. Further information, including prices and finalised dates, have yet to be announced. You will need to bring your own secateurs and buckets, and be physically fit enough to walk the 3km return bush track to get to the paddock. Stay tuned to their social media for updates, and keep an eye on their website for further announcements.
đź“Ť1385 Kyneton-Springhill Rd, Spring Hill VIC 3444
3. Red Hill Peony Estate
Take a drive down the Mornington Peninsula and admire some beautiful peonies at Red Hill Peony Estate. The gorgeous property will open their doors on Wednesday October 18 and, depending on the season, will stay open from Wednesdays to Sundays until the end of November. Just to be safe, it’s better to visit earlier in the season, just in case the weather gets too hot for the flowers. The estate will be open for visitors from 10am to 3pm.
While peony picking is not on the cards, you can still purchase some beautiful peonies to take home. If you buy a special bunch of peonies, you will gain access to explore the new Display Garden, and other gardens around the estate. You can also purchase products like peony ice cream, and lemonade made from the citrus garden. Explore their website for more information.
If you’d like to immerse yourself even further, accommodation is available on the 76-acre property. Stay at Red Hill Peony Cottage, and enjoy a cosy weekend with relaxing views. The cottage garden and outdoor living space looks out over fields of growing peonies, lilies and dahlias. Your vases will be filled with seasonal flowers, which you can take home with you at the end of your stay. If you miss the peony season, you can always stay for the lilies, which flower from late-December to late-January, or the dahlias, which flower from January to late-March. Find out more here.
đź“Ť237 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937