Open Gardens Victoria is ready to unveil a vibrant and diverse collection of gardens across regional Victoria. From native landscapes on the Bass Coast to meticulously crafted farm gardens in the Western District, the 2024 season promises to inspire visitors with its mix of professionally designed landscapes, historic properties, and unique home gardens.
This year’s season, the first under the leadership of Dr Karen White, OGV’s newly appointed Chair, highlights a range of gardens selected by a dedicated team. Spanning seven local council areas, eleven exceptional gardens are already open for booking, with more expected to be added soon.
Dr White is enthusiastic about the variety of gardens on offer, noting, “With the growing recognition of the mental health benefits of nature and green spaces, our mission is to encourage everyone to get out and visit all types of gardens.”
Rural and Regional Gems Await Visitors
The spring season features several standout gardens, with a focus on rural and regional Victoria. Louise Brown, OGV’s Head of Selectors, highlighted the diversity and joy these gardens bring to visitors.
“We are opening a marvellous collection of regional gardens,” Brown said. “Whether it’s the creativity of ‘Into the Blue’ in Gippsland, or the expansive country charm of Eden Rise in Woolamai, there’s something for everyone.”
Visitors to Eden Rise can expect five acres of native planting, an 80-tree orchard, and rolling hills with panoramic views across Western Port Bay. Not far away, Binchy’s Garden in Dalyston offers a grevillea lover’s paradise, home to rare and endangered species cultivated over two decades by horticulturalist David Binch.
Highlights of the 2024 Open Gardens Victoria Program:
- Coliban Springs/Gibbards Crossing/Rocklands (19–20 October, Redesdale) – Three stunning country gardens in central Victoria, surrounded by granite hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
- Into the Blue & Madison Place (9–10 November, South Gippsland) – Experience the magic of a bush block garden at ‘Into the Blue’, with its rare succulents and sculptural art, and explore the park-like setting of ‘Madison Place’ with its mature trees and sweeping views.
- Yamba (16–17 November, Caramut) – A Western District farm garden filled with bulbs, perennials, and a productive vegetable patch, curated by floral artist Helen Diprose.
- Verdicus (16–17 November, Tylden) – Retired landscape designer Bruce Honey presents a beautiful 3.6-hectare circular garden that seamlessly blends formal and informal styles.
For more details and bookings, visit the OGV website and explore the wide range of gardens set to open this spring.
