By Kath Gannaway
SURELY Autumn has never been so welcome. Hopefully it will bring some more rain and put gardeners in the mood to get out and get a little dirt under their fingernails.
At the very least, autumn provides the milder days that are just right for a leisurely stroll through some of the region’s diverse open gardens or a day out at a garden show.
April 1-5
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
The Carlton Gardens and historic Royal Exhibition Buildings will be transformed into a living, breathing gardeners’ delight for this iconic garden show.
Visit www.melbflowershow .com.au for details.
April 4-5
Knoxfield Sustainable House (AOGS)
This Japanese-influenced garden embraces the elegant purpose-designed passive solar house which is totally self-sufficient in water. A wooden walkway over a dry stone watercourse is flanked by waterwise natives and exotics. Curved slate pathways, a vegetable area with all the space utilised, from thickly planted nature strip to pots of herbs around the water tank complete the picture. Hourly tours of the house are an inviting extra.
Address: 18 Alexandra Court. Melway 73:D1
April 4-5
The Glade, Mooroolbark (AOGS)
Pre-existing mature fruit trees frame vegetables, natives and flowering exotics in an abundant , densely planted garden around a 1990s passive solar house. The house has many sustainable features and incorporates parts of the earlier house. Water tanks, compost and a chicken run are part of The Glade experience. Regular guided tours of the house are included.
Address: 25 Carronvale Road. Melway 37:K12.
April 25-26
Ridgefield – Coldstream (AOGS)
An exciting and impressive garden where the formal elements of Robert Boyle’s design are softened by rich and spectacular plantings of roses, shrubs and drought-tolerant perennials. Mediterranean-style courtyards and long colonaded terraces link house, garden and vineyard. Expansive lawn terraces are also a feature of this 1.2 hectare garden. Wine tastings will also be on offer on the day.
Address: 58 Boundary Road. Melway 281:K7
All year
Katandra Gardens Wildflower Garden
Wandin Bob and Dot O’Neill’s Katandara Gardens exhibits one of the largest ranges of Australian native plants in a Victorian private garden. Extensive collections include acacias, eucalypts, hibbertias, banksias and correas, all interspersed throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens. Gentle, grassy winding pathways allow easy access to all corners of the eight acre property.
Address: 49 Hunter Road. Melway: 121:C3
Open: Thursday through to Monday 10am to 4.30pm
Admission: $5
* (AOGS) Opening hours 10am to 4.30pm and admission $5 unless otherwise stated.
Tell us about it!
Let Mail Home & Garden know about your upcoming open gardens or flower shows for our Winter and Spring editions. Send details to Open Garden, Mail Newspapers, PO 470, Healesville, 3777, or email to kath@yvnews.com.au
