Ingredients for growing- Green thumb Merilyn Wheatfill is opening her garden to raise cash for

By Casey Neill
GARDEN-LOVERS can explore the bright and whimsical Valley Views in Lilydale this weekend.
The colourful, flower-filled garden is just eight years old and sprung from a steep, bare block.
About 180 roses are in bloom, including standardised examples, and fuchsias, potato vine, grevilleas and broom maximise available planting space.
The garden also features oranges and other fruit trees, a vegetable garden, arches and bridges and seven ponds filled with fish and frogs.
Owners Merilyn and Peter Wheatfill will donate the weekend’s proceeds to Donwood Aged Care Centre’s dementia ward, Acacia Lodge.
The garden’s primary green thumb Mrs Wheatfill has volunteered in aged care for several years and wanted to help the centre.
She opened it for the first time about four years ago to help the local SES, which was struggling to raise cash to buy a new truck.
Mrs Wheatfill said it took a lot of work to keep the garden looking good.
“I like to get into it each day,” she said. “It’s just something I’ve always loved.”
She’s a chef by trade. “They really go hand in hand,” she said.
“If you’re a good chef I find you’re usually a good gardener, too.”
The open weekend will feature a sausage sizzle and tea and plants for sale. Valley Views is located at 17 The Eyrie, Lilydale, and will be open 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April.
Beechmont, at 12 Mernda Road, Olinda, will also open on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Monday 26 April.
Visitors are welcome to picnic.
Entry is $6 for adults and free for children.