By PETER DOUGLAS
ONE of the most popular garden openings in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges has blossomed and will be soon ready for viewing.
The Nook, with its Romantic English-style cottage garden, is looking particularly delightful this year, according to its creator, Val Jackson.
She said the garden features a huge array of floral favourites, including roses, lavender, camellias and azaleas.
Ms Jackson said the garden helps to keep alive the memory of her loving husband, Don, with whom she started the garden 12 years ago.
“It’s a very tranquil, very peaceful place and when people visit, they love that fact,” she said.
“Some say they could just sit there for hours and hours.
“It’s a very inviting garden.
“The garden is on a very sunny block, so I’m able to grow a garden that is a little unique to the Dandenong Ranges.”
Ms Jackson said the many frameworks and arches complement the ‘secret garden’ feel.
She also attributes her husband’s vision to its design.
“Don was a horticulturist and he had a vast knowledge,” she said.
“He taught me all I know and I open this in his memory.”
Entry to The Nook costs $5 with proceeds going to the Monbulk CWA and Monbulk CFA.
The event will be held over the weekend of November 14-15, from 10am to 4.30pm, with morning tea provided by CWA ladies and parking by CFA.
The open gardens are at The Nook, 5 Tavistock Road, Monbulk.
