WITH golden daffodils creating golden landscapes in gardens and fields everywhere, you just know that spring is here!
Time to get back into the garden, visit the inspirational open gardens around the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs and delight in the magnificent blooms at the spring flower shows.
There’s plenty to choose from so grab the diary and make a date!
8-9 September
Fernhill, Kallista*
English-style terraced garden of ornamental shrubs, trees and hedges and home to a choice collection of alpines and woodlanders. 4 Anderson St.
Kirkcaldy, Kallista*
Cottage-style plantings of roses and perennials combine with bulbs and woodland plants beneath established trees. 8 Ridge Rd.
15-16 September
Carn Garden, Monbulk*
Restful, young but already established garden created by a knowledgeable Australian plantswoman flows in naturalistic manner down a gentle slope. Emphasis on small, colourful specimens. 75 David Hill Rd.
Orchard House, Olinda*
Steeply descending garden established in the 1920s with later rock terracing and steps surrounds the original hills house. Mossy lawn with old weeping elm a feature. 99 Olinda-Monbulk Rd.
30 September
Mernda Heights, Olinda*
Notable mature garden originally planted in 1937 features many lovely vistas, an excellent collection of Japanese maples, a wealth of deciduous trees and 50 varieties of magnolia. 10 Old Rd.
27-28 October
Ferny Creek Flower Festival
Displays of spring flowers, plant sales and guides walks of the four hectare ornamental gardens. 100 Hilton Rd. Phone 9755 2771 or 9755 3537.
3-4 November
Open Gardens Weekend, Upper Yarra
Upper Yarra Garden Club’s annual display of six local cool-climate gardens. Meet the gardeners and see a range of different gardens in one day. Hoddles Creek to Warburton. Phone 5966 2828 or 5967 1158.
Marysville Flower Festival
Old-fashioned flower show at Marysville Golf Course. Variety of displays and competition entries. Includes art and craft display. Entries welcome. 956 Marysville Buxton Rd. Phone: 5963 3780.
10 November
Steels Creek Flower Show
Flower show, including extensive rose display with plant sales at the Community Centre from 9.30am to 3pm. Steels Creek Rd.
17-18 November
Kinvarra, Wandin North*
Ken Johnson’s award-winning design skilfully blends two contrasting garden traditions – the naturalistic landscape of primarily Australian plants and cottage-style plantings. 13 Rodger Rd.
24-25 November
Shadowlea, Seville East*
Vast collection of about 1200 roses well-displayed in an informal setting mingled with extensive Australian plantings. Lake, small orchard and old engines are added features. 135 Bridgewater Rd.
25 November
Lavender Harvest Festival, Wandin Yallock
Lavender harvesting using traditional methods, musical performances, demonstrations, food, wine and local produce. Proceeds to local CFA. 105 Quayle Rd. Phone 5964 4650
*Gardens open under the Australian Open Gardens Scheme from 10am to 4.30pm, entry $5. Further information www.opengarden.org.au
Gardens that are open year-round include:
Gulf Station, Yarra Glen
Original heritage garden which is part of 1850s historic farm property. Orchard containing heritage apples, quinces and plums. Picturesque setting. Melba Highway. Wednesday to Sunday. Phone 9730 1286
Karwarra Australian Plant Garden, Kalorama
Botanic garden growing 1700 Australian species including OPCAA Boronia and Waratah collections. Plant sales and Botanical Art Exhibition from 20 October to 11 November (not Mondays) an added feature. Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays. Phone 9728 4256.
Katandra Gardens, Wandin
Outstanding landscaped Australian native garden holding numerous plant collections including the OPCAA correa collection as well as a spectacular collection of wattles. 49 Hunter Rd. Thursday to Monday or by arrangement. Phone 5964 4523
National Rhododendron Garden, Olinda
Spring is a riot of colour with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, vireyas and many significant trees. The Georgian Rd. Open daily. Phone 131963
