Spring has well and truly sprung, and there’s (arguably) no place more picturesque at this time of year than Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. SO lush!
This area is home to some of Victoria’s most breathtaking private gardens, and this month, you can access them! Secret Gardens of the Dandenongs is a diverse program of full-day tours (including lunch) in some of the area’s most beautiful private gardens – kicking off this week!
Today we’re revisiting three of our favourite gardens who are participating in the program.
Conifers and rhododendrons at Beechmont, the garden of Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou of Flowers Vasette. Photo – Annette O’Brien.
The Beechmont garden of Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou is framed by native bushland, including mountain ash trees (Eucalyptus regnans). Photo – Annette O’Brien.
Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou of Flowers Vasette will be running a workshop at her property, as well as a garden tour on October 26th. Photo – Annette O’Brien.
Do you recall our story on Beechmont, the magnificent, 10-acre garden belonging to Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou, owner of iconic Melbourne florist Flowers Vasette? Well, you can see it for yourself on Friday 26th October, and be treated to an exclusive floral workshop with Cherrie and her team, too! (Tickets here).
Revisit our story on Cherrie’s Garden here.
Edna Walling designed gateways between all the gardens at Bickleigh Vale. Photo – Annette O’Brien.
A quiet spot to sit in the gardens at Bickleigh Vale. Photo – Annette O’Brien.
The Barn at Bickleigh Vale was landscape designer Edna Walling’s home from 1951 until the mid ’60s. Photo – Annette O’Brien.
As one of Australia’s most renowned garden designers, Edna Walling was a trailblazer. She built a career designing, building and maintaining gardens, at a time where women were not encouraged to forge careers, let alone outdoorsy ones.
One of Edna Walling’s greatest feats was designing Bickleigh Vale; a unique 10-hectare housing development she created in the 1920s.
You can visit the gardens at Bickleigh Vale tomorrow, alongside two other amazing gardens, and enjoy a fancy lunch at Coonara Springs restaurant. (Tickets here)
The Monbulk property of Joost Bakker. Photo – Eve Wilson.
Joost harvesting rosemary on his property in Monbulk. Photo – Eve Wilson.
The Monbulk property of Joost Bakker. Photo – Eve Wilson.
On October 18th (this Thursday!) and 27th, you have the opportunity to visit our good mate Joost Bakker’s breathtaking property in Monbulk – For a little snapshot of how truly picturesque this region is, revisit our ‘Melbourne Mornings’ video featuring Joost, below – SO Idyllic!
Secret Gardens of the Dandenongs full day tours are priced between $190 – $240 per person, including lunch, transport, expert tour guides and various experiences. Each day finishes with wine and nibbles at Karwarra garden.
With only 50 places available each day, we recommend booking in asap to avoid disappointment !
