Whether your thumb is green or just regular skin-coloured, a day out at
Gardenworld in Braeside, just 40 or so minutes southeast of Melbourne, is fun for everyone.
While avid garden enthusiasts might feel like they've died and gone to the Garden of Eden amidst seven different specialist centres - each offering their own surprises and delights - those with little space or inclination to garden might be inspired to add even the smallest green touch to their home or backyard.
The Legendary Lotus Flower
Being surrounded by the fabulous flora nature offers, as well as by endless accessories and decorative items created by the artistically inspired, is simply uplifting - and sure beats being a couch potato on a sunny afternoon.
A Peaceful Place
Much more than just a
nursery, (and one that offers plants that are guaranteed to grow with the right with the right care, so don't worry if your thumb's not that green), this huge complex offers endless fascinating stops to explore, like
Collectors Corner, a veritable treasure trove of cacti, orchids, carnivorous plants, gems, ancient fossils, rare sea shells and a huge, world-renowned bonsai collection.
Look out. It bites!
No-fuss hydroponics, bright hanging baskets and very tasty hydroponic tomatoes, available all year round, abound at
Auto Pot Systems, whose award winning Auto-Pot System featured on Burke's Backyard.
Smart, space-saving hydroponics
Soak up lots of advice from the aqua-gardening experts at
Lotus Watergardens, where a carefully selected water feature, some stylish Japanese or Balinese accessories, or attractive waterlilies or bamboo add life, movement and reflection to your outdoor entertainment areas.
Let's face it, we can all get better and smarter when it comes to water wisdom, so you can learn all you need to at the
Smart Water Shop, and then introduce it all into your fabulously landscaped garden - with some help from
Semken Landscaping.
After all that thirsty play and work, maybe top off a productive, green day with some very fine fare - and maybe a glass of wine or ice cold beer - at the
Gardenworld Cafe. Bottoms up!
