By Kath Gannaway
SPRING has sprung and the gardens are open again.
In and around the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges and the Mystic Mountains, gardeners are sprucing up their various patches of heaven on earth, flower shows are in the making and the changing weather means it’s time to get out and about again.
16, 17 & 20 September
Cotswold Park, Gladysdale (AOGS)*
A PLANTSMAN’S garden Cotswold Park showcases extensive collections including perennials, herbs and bulbs. Other features include about 500 varieties of roses, bog garden and medicinal plants.
Where: 760 Little Yarra Road
30 September & 1 October
Jacobs Garden, Montrose (AOGS)*
ALMOST 200 species of smaller eucalypts are a feature of this garden. Flowering species include native hibiscus, boronias, grevilleas and an unusual red acacia. A large pond attracts birdlife.
Where: 377 Cambridge Road
14 & 15 October
Power Garden, Kallista (AOGS)*
MATURE trees and lush foliage are the main features of this spacious garden. A good conifer collection including blue spruce and Norfolk Island pine, tree peonies, spring bulbs and magnificent views are among its main features.
Where: 12 Ridge Road
Hillcrest, Sherbrooke (AOGS)*
A CANOPY of towering mountain ash and redwoods shelters a mature hills garden set on a steep slope. Broad lawns, stunning vistas and a spectacular colour display from hundreds of rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias and camellias add to the dramatic appeal of this garden.
Where: 2 Braeside Avenue
Sherwood, Seville East (AOGS)*
AN EXTENSIVE range of mature trees creates a verdant setting for an elevated A-frame house. Maples, weeping and Scotch elms, flowering dogwoods and a rhododendron walk are among many features. A dry stone wall and large vegetable garden are additional attractions.
Where: 49 Old Warburton Highway
Katandra Gardens, Wandin North (AOGS)*
SHOWCASING Australian plants in a parkland setting, this garden features the OPCAA correa collection, wetlands and bush tucker areas and plants including eucalypts, callistemons, banksias, waratahs, acacias and other native species. Owner is Bob O’Neil, ABC’s 2005 Gardener of the Year.
Where: 49 Hunter Road
