A passionate Montrose plant collector is opening up their native garden, Warooka, on the weekend of 23 and 24 September.
Adjoining the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the garden is nestled amid eucalypts, with the owner taming a steep site with native plants that spill over dry stone walls and winding plants.
The property is just under one acre and was purchased in 1988.
About 15 years ago, landscape designer Paul Thompson developed a design with a winding path and steps to make the steep front garden more accessible from the driveway.
Today, there are beautifully linked pools that fit as if they were naturally formed between large rocks.
For guests and garden enthusiasts, the owner will share their knowledge of the garden during guided walks at 11am and 2pm on each day.
There are plenty of open, inviting spaces for visitors to sit and soak up the garden.
Warooka is located at 17 Jubilee Road, Montrose.
Entry is $8 (children under 18 are free; students $5).
Available: refreshments, sales of native plants and a range of unusual and uncommon bulbs.
Proceeds will go towards the Montrose CFA.
For more information, and details on other open gardens, visit www.opengardensvictoria.org.au.
