Melton Botanic Gardens is no longer one of the area’s best kept secrets.
After nearly a decade of development and expansion the gardens were officially opened last week by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau.
Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens president John Bentley said he has looked forward to the opening since 2011 when the gardens were named.
“This has been a long time coming,” Mr Bentley said.
“The governor loved the gardens.
“It was a great opportunity to show her around and get some recognition for all the hard work that has been done.
“Currently, it’s one of the best times to come and explore the gardens because the eucalypts are in flower, the West Australian garden is looking superb, the Southern African garden is flowering and the newly painted Mediterranean garden is very impressive.
“If you want to get a sense of community and ownership of the area we welcome any volunteer who would like to be involved to come and give us a hand.”
Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said it was an honour to have the governor mark the occasion.
“The indigenous and bush gardens are regional highlights that form part of the outstanding transformation that has taken place here over the past 10 years,” Cr Ramsey said.
“While council provided funding for the landscape design, and the installation of public toilets, reserve fencing and the car park, this much treasured space could never have come to fruition without the staggering number of hours our local volunteers put into making it a reality.”
