Rhododendron Gardens
Days are slowly getting longer, the bitter cold of winter is nearly gone, blossoms are filling the bare branches and gardens are springing to life. Here in Melbourne we have four very distinct seasons and Spring is definitely the gardeners delight. So lets make the most of spring and the natural beauty that's all around us and visit one of these 10 magnificent gardens.
Rhododendron Gardens
The Rhododendron Gardens are at their best from mid September to the end of October. Expect to see masses of colour from the azaleas and rhododendrons, mass plantings of daffodils, Australian native flowers in full bloom, spectacular magnolias and the prized cherry blossom flowers to name but a few. Take a picnic along and enjoy on the expansive lawn areas. The gardens are open 7 days a week and entry is free but donations are welcomed. To read more on the gardens
click here.
George Tindale Gardens
George Tindale Garden is a gardens garden with many rare plants and is spectacular in spring. The rhododendrons and azaleas lining the moss covered paths are truly stunning. For anyone with limited mobility this garden is one of the steeper ones to visit so I would recommend keeping to the upper section of the garden which is relatively flat. There are two rotundas, one midway into the garden and one at the bottom which are good for a picnic. For my full review of the George Tindale gardens
click here.
Gardens of Tieve Tara (picture courtesy of Gardens of Tieve Tara facebook page)
Tieve Tara in the Macedon Ranges is a lovely private garden with expansive lawn areas and plantings over 7.5 acres. This garden is perfect for picnics and children with the cute whimsical children's garden towards the back of the property and an ornamental lake with ducks, along and a Monet style bridge covered in wisteria. Entry to the gardens is $8 for adults, free for children under 12.To find out more about these tranquil gardens
click here.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Alfred Nicholas Gardens are popular and at their best in autumn but they're still nice to see in spring. The ornamental lake at the bottom of the garden is always of interest especially with changing seasons with the colours reflecting on the water. Also worth noting is The
Piggery Cafe adjoins this garden and is always a popular spot and may be worth a visit after strolling the gardens. For my full review
click here.
Cloudhill in Olinda is a nice 10 acre or so garden with nursery and restaurant. For anyone that is a keen photographer you will appreciate the lines of this garden and taking pictures of the blooming flowers in spring. Entry to the garden is $10 for adults or free if you have a Diggers membership. For more information on the Cloudhill garden, nursery or restaurant visit their website
here.
Forest Glade
Forest Glade in the Macedon Ranges is a privately owned garden that is open to the public. Masses of daffodils and spring bulbs are a stand out in this large garden. Look out for the many interesting sculptures throughout. Entry to the garden s $8 for adults, children are free. For my full review of Forest Glade
click here.
Pirianda Garden
Pirianda Gardens is another Parks Victoria garden in the Dandenong Ranges that is worth a visit. Although you wont find masses of spring colour like you will at the other gardens in the Dandenongs. This 11 hectare terraced garden takes advantage of a sloping block that mainly consists of botanically important trees along with some shrubs and perennials. Entry to the garden is free. For my full review
click here.
Alowyn Gardens ( picture courtesy of Alowyn Gardens facebook page)
Alowyn Gardens and nursery in the Yarra Valley just outside of Yarra Glen is on the top of my to do list. I have heard many great things about this garden and I'm keen to visit especially in spring whilst the garden is in full bloom. For more information on Alowyn Gardens please visit their website
here.
Heronswood
Heronswood house and garden in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula is a popular spot for visitors to the Peninsula and also with locals who buy heirloom seeds and plants from the nursery for their home gardens. The views over the bay from the garden are spectacular and spring is the best time to stroll through these gardens. Entry to the gardens is $10 for adults but is free for Diggers members and under 18's. To read my review of Heronswood
click here.
Como Gardens
Como Gardens is a privately owned garden that is open to the public twice a year as part of the open garden scheme. Here you will see lovely formal gardens with an ornamental lake along with it's very own miniature railway and vintage car museum.This garden is a must visit and is next open on the 17th and 18th of October.Entry to the garden is $8 for adults and free for children. For my full review
click here.
As well as all of the above gardens don't miss the
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne,
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne,
Tesselaar Tulip Festival,
Geelong Botanic Gardens along with a long list of private open gardens that can be found
here.
If you have a favourite spring garden that you would like to share with Weekend Notes readers please leave a message below.
