A gardener’s passion for alpine and woodland plants has been artistically combined in a stunning Lilydale garden overlooking the Dandenongs – opening with Open Gardens Victoria on Sunday 29 October.
Proceeds from this garden opening will support The Australian Red Cross.
Set on a steep, yet well-planned one-acre site, the Orvieto garden is richly textured with a diverse range of contrasting foliage plants accented with well-placed pots and an unexpected collection of conifers ranging from tiny specimens to immense mature cedars and spruce.
This was a tricky site on which to create a garden, but the owner has crafted a series of formal and informal terraces following the contours of the land. Winding pathways along the terraces lead through a series of different rooms presenting delightfully different feels.
Entry to the garden is made through an archway of Roman cypresses, birches and flowering apples up the steep main drive.
A woodland grove of birches underplanted with rhododendrons leads up steps through an alpine area.
From here panoramic views extend from the north face of Mount Dandenong to Lilydale Lake.
Further on, a screen of European and North American trees gives way to reveal ferns and ornamental grasses.
Elsewhere, there are delightful plantings of lilacs and olives.
Visitors will be able to relax and enjoy the views of the Dandenongs with Devonshire teas on the upstairs verandah of the house.
The Elms open garden in Wonga Park will be open on the same day – just a 15-minute drive away.
The garden is located at 37a Summit Road, Lilydale.
Open on Sunday 29 October from 10am to 4.30pm.
Entry: $8 (children under 18 free); students $5.
Extras: Devonshire teas – The Elms Open Garden in Wonga Park also open this Sunday.
For more information and other Open Gardens, visit www.opengardensvictoria.org.au.
