Garden lovers in the Upper Yarra region will be able to explore two exquisite Yarra Ranges gardens when Open Gardens Victoria opens two on the weekend of 27 and 28 November.
Banksia Bend at Yarra Glen (previously known as Lubra Bend) is a magnificent country property in Yarra Glen featuring mainly Australian native and water-wise exotic plants and is home to a collection of sculptures by renowned Australian artists.
While previous owners created an established garden of camellias, magnolias and oaks, today the property features a camellia grove, Seville orange walk, orchard, vegetable garden and a dry garden and billabong designed by Philip Johnson – all winding down to the Yarra River. Proceeds from this opening will be donated to Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc.
30 minutes south, is the Heywood Garden in Seville is owned by plant lover and 3CR garden show presenter, Virginia Heywood.
Virginia’s four-acre garden has sweeping views of mountains and vineyards and is filled with many camellias, salvias, an orchard, frog pond, ornamental lake and dam.
Beds at the back of the house have a cottage garden feel but lead to areas where Virginia has combined natives with Mediterranean and South African plants that are well adapted to summer heat. The garden attracts an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. Virginia is a Royal Botanic Gardens guide and secretary of the Plant Trust and is delighted to share her plant knowledge with visitors to her open garden.
ADDRESS: Banksia Bend Open Garden
135 Simpson Lane, Yarra Glen
Heywood Open Garden
50 Linwood Road, Seville
OPEN: Saturday 27th November 2021
Sunday 28th November 2021
10am – 4.30pm
TICKETS: Purchase via TryBooking and Open Gardens Victoria website
Garden entry (each garden) – Adults $10, Students $6, under 18 free
PLEASE NOTE: Due to Covid-19 protocols, tickets must be booked and pre-paid online via TryBooking. Visitors over the age of 12 must be double vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption. For more information about open gardens and events, visit: www.opengardensvictoria.org.au
