It’s spring, so it’s no surprise that we’ve been talking about some lovely parks and gardens lately, like Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Wilson Botanic Park, Banksia Park, Alowyn Gardens and more. And with Halloween fast approaching, we’ve found a garden that’s bewitching in more ways than one. Grab your broomsticks and fly over to The Witches Garden. Nestled in the Mitta Valley, 4.5 hours away from Melbourne, this sprawling four acre garden features plants used for herbal remedies and witchcraft. It also contains a witch cottage, a maze and a dainty bridge inspired by Monet’s garden in Giverny. The garden is open every weekend from 10am to 5pm, or midweek by appointment.
The Witches Garden
Once a cow paddock, this whimsical space was designed by Felicity McDonald and landscaped by her husband Lew. She first took inspiration from Monet’s paintings, leading to a lake covered with lily pads and a pretty bridge. This bridge is adorned and framed by wisteria, which blooms for just a few precious weeks in spring.
As time went on, and she began to learn about toxic plants and medicinal ones, the garden took on a magical twist. The herbalists and wise women from the past were the witches of their day, inspiring the name of The Witches Garden.
Leaning into the theme, there is a medieval witch’s cottage. Step inside and learn the history of witches and their use of medicinal plants, then marvel at the display of broomsticks from around the world. You’ll also find a garden filled with plants used for herbal remedies and witchcraft, as well as a Vegetable Garden, complete with a scarecrow and two resident tawny frogmouths. Look out for the troll under the Monet bridge, marvel at a fearsome dragon sculpture and try to navigate the maze.
Navigate the shady paths, and find plenty of other stunning spaces, filled with tidy hedges, blooming flowers and blossoming trees. Listen to the bubbling fountain, and watch the nearby Mitta River sparkle in the sunlight.
If you’re feeling inspired, there is a nursery stocked with rare and unusual plants. There’s also an art gallery, filled with Felicity’s paintings.
Key details:
📅Open on weekends
🕒10am to 5pm
🎫$10 entry, kids can enter for free. Cash is preferred.
📍608 Dartmouth Rd, Mitta Mitta VIC 3701
Start planning your visit here, or stay updated by checking out their Facebook page.
