Grand gardens

On October 16 and 17, two local gardens will be opened for the first time as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme.
Vinen garden at 84 Stoney Creek Road, Beaconsfield Upper, is designed by Evan Gaulke and is an achievable suburban-size garden laid out in a series of rooms in terraces on a sloping block.
Natives and exotics blend happily. The front presents good examples of species suited to dry shade, with woodland-style plantings including hellebores and mahonias flourishing beneath mature gums and many maples.
In the rear, where the garden is more open and sunny, burgundy foliage accents around a raised pond include smoke bushes, and a clematis-covered pergola is a pretty sight. A crab apple lined driveway leads into Moravale Lodge at 203 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren North, where three large willows fringe a pretty dam framing views in a relaxed garden with lots of interest.
An element of formality is introduced by the house where box hedges retain roses including prolific buttery yellow ‘Graham Thomas’ and white ‘Iceberg’. The boundaries of the property are screened by thick native shrubberies and exotic trees. There is a fernery, herb garden, and fruit trees under cover.
There will be teas, as well as plants, craft and a white elephant stall. Vinen garden and Moravale Lodge will be open from 10am to 4.30pm with an adult entry fee of $6. Uner 18s are admitted free.