Visiting other peoples gardens shows you what you can achieve in a similar sized garden, all the plants you could be growing, wonderful ideas you could be using in your garden, as well as invaluable seasonal information.
But you don't have to be a garden writer to visit other people's gardens. There are two easy ways to start exploring now:
The Open Garden Scheme is a long established network of gardens that are open at various times throughout the year, allowing visitors to pay a small fee to explore the featured gardens. For open times it's best to purchase the Open Garden Scheme Book. It is available by visiting their website: http://www.opengarden.org.au/
2. Garden Design Fest
In Melbourne there is also another unique opportunity to visit gardens and it is coming up soon - Garden Design Fest. To be held from the 13-14 November 2010, Garden Design Fest is now in its 4th year, with over 25 gardens to explore from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula. One ticket covers entry to all of the gardens, many of which do not usually open to the public.
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| Flinders, Vic |
A full list of gardens and their addresses is available online at http://www.gardendesignfest.com.au/. Tickets are also available online. $25 covers entry to all gardens and includes a full colour guidebook, or you can pay $5 per garden (available at the garden gate). Gardens are open from 10am to 4.30pm with the designers present at most gardens throughout the day.
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| East Melbourne, Vic |
Showcasing private gardens designed and professionally installed by up-and-coming designers as well as notable landscape designers including Paul Bangay, Rick Eckersley and John Patrick, it is an opportunity too good to miss. If this isn't enough, 100% of the net proceeds also go to Rotary for their Charitable work - so you can learn something and help someone in need!
So make the most of the beautiful weather we are experiencing and explore other people's wonderful gardens. You never know what tips and tricks you may pick up for your own backyard.
