By Derek Schlennstedt
Two of the most popular garden openings in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges have blossomed and will be soon ready for viewing.
The Nook, with its Romantic English-style cottage garden, is looking delightful this year, according to its creator, Val Jackson.
She said the garden features a huge array of floral favourites, including roses, lavender, camellias and azaleas.
“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 are featuring their gardens together and Val added that both gardens compliment 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.”
“This is my 25th opening and I just want to share it with people as it is a beautiful garden.”
Entry to The Nook and the Tavisbrook Garden next door costs $10 for both gardens and proceeds go towards the Monbulk CFA.
The event will be held over the weekend of November 17-18, from 10am to 4.30pm
The open gardens are at The Nook, 5 Tavistock Road, Monbulk and Tavisbrook Garden at 6 Tavistock road, Monbulk.
