By Derek Schlennstedt
Discover every Nook and Cranny at The Nook in the Dandenong Ranges.
This beautiful romantic cottage style garden is set in the Dandenong Ranges against the backdrop of imposing chestnut trees. With spring in the air, creator Val Jackson said now is the best time to visit.
She said the garden features a huge array of floral favourites and in spring roses, lavender, camellias and azaleas are the highlight.
“It’s very much a romantic English cottage style garden,” Val said.
“Full of perennials and roses – they’re my great passion.”
“It’s an interesting garden and has brick paths and different levels but not too steep and also has steps and a ramp, so if people come with a pram or wheelchair, they can use the ramp.”
Val and her neighbour Doug Brook who owns Tavisbrook garden just next door are featuring their gardens together with both gardens complimenting one another.
Ms Jackson said her garden helps to keep alive the memory of her loving husband, Don, with whom she started the garden 12 years ago.
She said the many frameworks and arches within the garden complement the ‘secret garden’ feel and attributes much of the design to her husband’s vision.
“Don was a horticulturist and he had a vast knowledge,” she said.
“He taught me all I know and I open this in his memory.”
Entry to The Nook and the Tavisbrook Garden next door costs $10 for both gardens and all proceeds go towards the Monbulk CFA.
The event will be held over the weekend of November 16-17, from 10am to 4.30pm
The open gardens are at The Nook, 5 Tavistock Road, Monbulk and Tavisbrook Garden at 6 Tavistock road, Monbulk.
