Como Garden's Spring Open Weekend

Como Garden's Spring Open Weekend

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Posted 2014-07-18 by Lorraine Afollow


The owners of the idyllic Como Gardens in The Basin have announced their spring open garden weekend for October 18th & 19th between 10am - 4pm. These gardens are only open twice a year for the spring and autumn openings unless prior arrangements have been made with the owners. So if you have never been to the Como gardens then this is a great opportunity to visit a magnificent garden in the Dandenong Ranges.



We visited Como gardens during the autumn open garden weekend and were pleasantly surprised by what we found on the property, as were our children. In fact the children had such a good time they have been asking when we can visit again.

From the time we entered the paddock gate to park the car we could see the miniature train whizzing around the gardens. The owners George Hetrel and his wife Pat decided to add the 650 metre miniature railway complete with station, three creek trestle bridges and an archway that the train powers under ( it's surprising how fast this little train travels). The train ride takes in spectacular scenery of the garden and creek and has been a huge success with young and old alike. Train rides are a very reasonable $2 per ride.



Now I'm sure many of you would appreciate the history of some of the world's rarest motor vehicles but what you may not expect is to find them in the garage at Como gardens. Step Inside the unsuspecting colourbond shed and you will find 16 wonderful examples of vintage motor cars as a part of George and Pat's private collection. The standout vehicles include a 1896 Benz Velo, 1903 curved dash Oldsmobile and a 1903 type 56 Peugeot. Along with the cars is a great display of motoring history, enamel signs, awards and so much more.



To the right of the garage is a large aviary housing peacocks, pheasants, turkeys, chickens and more. If you head over to the sausage sizzle stall you may be offered some crusts to feed the birds in the aviary, or the ducks and geese on the ornamental lake.

On the day we visited they had a model boat club running displays of various watercraft on the ornamental lake, this in turn made the geese and ducks a little shy but the children loved watching the remote control paddle steamers, yachts and speed boats moving around the lake. The model boat club have attended previous open days and are likely to be attending this open weekend.



Tucked away to the right side of the house is the 'fairy garden', here the children had a great time swinging underneath the trees, playing in teepees, enjoying a mad hatters tea party and playing hide and seek. The decorations were wonderful and so much effort had been put into making it perfect.



As for the garden itself, you will find 6 acres of formal gardens, manicured lawns, an ornamental lake and rain forest walk. The gardens have some historical significance with one of the trees in particular (Quenus Robur) believed to be one of the first oak trees to be planted in Australia after it was believed to be planted in 1875 after the birth of Arch Chandler who has always been regarded as the first white child born at The Basin. In turn this particular tree is classified by the National Trust Foundation. To find out about all of the rare and unusual plants in the garden it's best to join in one of the guided tours throughout the day.



Further details:

Entry to the gardens is $7.50 for adults and children are free. The money from the open garden is equally divided between St. Johns Ambulance and Knox S.E.S.

A sausage sizzle, Devonshire tea & refreshments will be available. Free onsite parking is available for up to 180 vehicles. Toilet facilities include disabled access and dogs are allowed on leash. For any other inquiries click here .

#community_events
#family
#natural_attractions
#gardens
#child_friendly
#attractions
#outdoor
#south_east
#trains
#things_to_see
#the_basin
#victoria
#october
%wnmelbourne
99536 - 2023-06-12 08:32:02

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