THE milder autumn weather is the perfect time for strolling in gardens, big and small, to enjoy the brilliant autumn foliage and to exchange ideas on everything from garden layout to rare plants and how to garden in a drought.
There are five local gardens open over autumn as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and we’ve added in a Hawthorn garden for its inspirational use of mosaics.
24 and 25 March
Lemon Tree Cottage – Upwey
MORE than 130 salvias, roses and perennials surround the lemon tree at the heart of this terraced garden. Arbours link the different sections and features include Japanese maples and an extended area of Australian plants.
Where: 59 Ferguson Street.
Size: 0.12ha.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $5
Cotswold Park – Gladysdale
A YOUNG but already established plantsman’s garden showcases extensive and varied collections in specifically designed areas. Plants include perennials, herbs and bulbs, about 500 varieties of roses and Alpines. There is a bog garden featuring meconopsis, trilliums and primulas, and medicinal plants.
Where: 760 Little Yarra Road.
Size: 1.5ha.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $5.
28-29 April
Autumn Flower Show – Ferny Creek
THE Ferny Creek Horticultural Society’s annual Autumn Show includes floral displays, plant, flower, photograph and craft stalls as well as garden walks through the society’s four hectares of gardens.
Where: Hilton Road.
When: 1pm to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 5pm Sunday.
Admission: $5.
Ridgefield – Coldstream
THE formal elements of Robert Boyle’s design are softened by spectacular plantings of roses, shrubs and drought-tolerant perennials in this impressive garden. Mediterranean-style courtyards and long colonnaded terraces link house, garden and vineyard.
Where: 58 Boundary Road.
Size: 1.2 ha.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $6.
Extras: Wine tasting.
5-6 May
Beechmont – Olinda
COLLECTIONS of trees and shrubs in this large hilltop garden include northern and southern hemisphere species including liriodendron, beeches, vireya rhododendrons, South African species and Australian natives, including Wollemi pines.
Where: 12 Mernda Road.
Size: 3.25ha.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $5.
Extras: Sculptures.
Mernda Garden – Olinda
THIS is a traditional mature hills garden where majestic deciduous trees shelter impressive shrubberies of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas. Birches, maples, liriodendrons and beeches provide spectacular autumn colour.
Where: 1 Mernda Road.
Size: 1.2ha.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $5.
Extras: Jewellery studio.
31 March and 1 April
Worth the drive
The Mosaic Garden – Hawthorn
Brilliantly conceived and executed mosaics flow across walls, steps and boulders in a unique garden recognised internationally for its innovation and artistry. The Garden features mosaic sculpture, furniture and water features complemented by lush-sculptural foliage plants.
Where: 64 Rathmines Road.
Size: 20m x 15m.
When: 10am to 4.30pm.
Admission: $5.
