The splendour of spring will be on show in Blackwood next month, as two private gardens open to the public over Melbourne Cup weekend.
Facilitated by Open Gardens Victoria – a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the benefits of gardens and gardening for Victorians – two Blackwood private gardens, Blackwood Ridge and Forest Edge, will open to the public across 1 and 2 November.
According to Open Gardens Victoria, these charming cool-climate gardens offer a unique opportunity to explore diverse plant collections, thoughtful design, and stunning seasonal displays – with both sharing a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, rich mountain soil, and history.
The gardens are less than 10 minutes drive apart.
One of these is Blackwood Ridge – an abundant, three-acre garden set on what was once a strawberry farm.
Inspired by traditional British gardens, the property has evolved over 25 years into a tapestry of themed garden ‘rooms’, from a tranquil Japanese-inspired garden and a vibrant Piet Oudolf-inspired perennial pollinator garden, to a formal kitchen garden framed by espaliered heritage apples.
Visitors can explore seven distinct garden areas, including a large collection of Japanese maples, oaks, dogwoods, rare conifers, and one of the region’s largest collections of rhododendrons in full bloom.
The other is Forest Edge, which is a picturesque, 2.5-acre garden set against the backdrop of the Wombat State Forest.
With views across the treetops, cool mountain air, and an abundance of native birdlife, the seasonal highlights at this property include tree peonies, hellebores, daffodils, tulips, aquilegia, iris, and flowering shrubs.
Both gardens will be open from 10am–4.30pm on Saturday 1 November and Sunday 2 November, with entry priced at $10 for adults and $6 for students.
Details: opengardensvictoria.org.au
