It’s hard to believe that spring is almost over. And with all the wet weather we’ve been having, there’s been little opportunity to go out there and frolic among the spring blooms. But, all is not lost. It’s currently peony season, a glorious time of year filled with bright colours, layers of precious petals and a wonderful fragrance. However, peony season is also quite short, blooming from late October to mid-December. Enjoy the season by visiting some lovely peony farms around Victoria, and even picking some peonies to take home. Here’s where you can go peony picking around Victoria.
1. Romswood Peony Farm
Where: 155 Cherokee Rd, Kerrie VIC 3434
Drive out to the Macedon Ranges and go peony picking in this family-run farm. Peony picking is limited to 100 people for two hour sessions. Picking is available on November 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27. It’s also available on December 3 and 4. Session times run from 10:30am to 12:30pm, or 1pm to 3pm.
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. Dogs are welcome to come, as long as they stay on a lead.
If you don’t have a ticket, you can head to the farm gate and purchase bunches or peony plants to take home.
2. Spring Hill Peony Farm
Where: 1385 Kyneton-Springhill Rd, Spring Hill VIC 3444
This flower farm is located in the Central Highlands of Victoria, just over an hour north-west of Melbourne. Due to the colder nature of the region, their peonies flower a bit later in the season. The peony paddock will be open for picking on select days between November 27 and December 6, depending on the season.
Tickets for pickers are $50, which includes entry and 15 stems. You must bring your own secateurs and buckets, and be physically fit enough to walk the 3km return bush track to get to the paddock. To simply view the paddock, you can get tickets at the gate for $10. Children under 15 are $5. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a least.
Tickets will go on sale on Sunday November 20 at 11am. Learn more here.
3. Red Hill Peony Estate
Where: 237 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937
This gorgeous property in Red Hill has already opened their doors to the gardens. The season will end this weekend on Saturday November 19. Walk through the beautiful gardens, browse through the Barn Shop and enjoy a taste of the estate’s produce. No bookings are required.
On Friday November 18 and Saturday November 19, you’ll be offered the option to access the garden, sample some produce platters and receive a magnificent bunch of peonies to take home, for $70 per adult. This package includes access to all gardens, including the Peony Paddock, the Rose Garden and the new Hydrangea Garden. For the produce platter, you’ll have a choice of sampling either the cheese/fruit/biscuits platter, served with peony paste, or a platter of scones, served with mixed berry conserve and peony-drizzle topped whipped cream. You will also receive a Pimms cup made from the Estate’s berries or non-alcoholic fruit punch, homemade lemonade.
Children aged 2 to 15 can enter for $15. They will receive access to the gardens, peony ice cream, lemonade, a single peony stem, a take home flower spinner and a chance to make bubbles in the bubble making area.
The Barn Shop is open from Thursdays to Sundays, including Sunday November 20. There, you’ll find produce, peony stems, potted plants and more.
Find more information here.If you’d like to immerse yourself even further, accommodation is available on the 80-acre property. Stay at Peony Cottage, and enjoy a cosy weekend with relaxing views. Your vases will be filled with seasonal flowers, and you can enjoy a continental breakfast, with conserves and jams made from the Estate garden. The peonies will flower from late October to mid-December, but 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.