Just a 50 minute drive from Melbourne’s city centre, discover the astonishing beauty and diversity of more than 170,000 individual native plants at the Cranbourne Gardens. You will find them displayed in settings that capture the essence of Australia’s diverse landscape from the Red Centre to the coastal fringes.
The Australian Garden comprises 11 precincts and facilities including a visitor kiosk at the northern end of the garden, boardwalks and viewing platforms on Howson and Gibson Hills, and an amphitheatre for education programs and performances.
It is a place where you can explore the evolving connections between people, plants and landscapes. The Australian Garden is also a place where you can discover inspiration and information about how to use Australian plants in your garden.
Heronswood is a breathtaking historic property situated on two hectares of formal gardens in Dromana. It is the home of the Digger’s Club – Australia’s most respected gardening organisation, dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and the best gardening traditions.
The gardens comprise stunning perennial and annual borders as well as
kitchen and vegetable parterre gardens, providing inspiration to cooks and gardeners.
Cruden Farm is one of Victoria’s most exciting green spaces. It is a special place of public recreation, left by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch for the people to enjoy that is now managed by a charitable trust.
The star attraction of Cruden Farm is the garden and the iconic image and star component is the main driveway, planted with over 100 lemon scented gum trees. In truth, there are many gardens to enjoy, each one different in style, plantings and mood. Each area was carefully planned by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Michael Morrison. To this day Michael is still implementing Dame Elisabeth’s long term plans for various areas across the garden. Cruden Farm changes dramatically during the seasons, so it is worth returning to Cruden Farm to appreciate the different vistas over a twelve month period.
The Picking Garden truly reflects the changing seasons at Cruden Farm and during Spring and Summer is alive with thousands of blooms and glorious colour. Where food was once grown for the family, as the children left home, Dame Elisabeth replaced fruit and vegetables with more and more blooms. The Walled Garden, originally designed by Edna Walling, has undergone changes since it was first planted out in the early 1930s. There are other special areas to explore too, including the ‘outer garden’ and the plantation areas.
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens is 25 acres of unique mazes and quality woodland gardens that inspires the senses, celebrates the seasons, and showcases the true beauty of trees and plants. A memorable garden experience that educates and creates a sense of fun & wonder. An internationally renowned and magical place of excellence to share with friends & family. A sustainable garden of great value for future generations.
