Spring Gardens

Ripe, rich and ready to shine, the gardens of the area are in abundance. From flower filled events to flourishing habitats, here’s a guide on the best places to explore this spring.

EVENTS

Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival – Thursday 31 August to Sunday 10 September, 2023

The Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival is a wonderful country festival celebrating spring, daffodils and the art. Visitors can enjoy blooming gardens, art exhibitions, unique activities like ferret racing and a dog dash, a flower show, a fun run, and live music performances. The event culminates on the Sunday with a Grand Parade and Fair, full of live music, floats, vintage vehicles and plenty of daffodils.

kynetondaffodilandartsfestival.com.au

Garden Lovers’ Fair – 7 & 8 October, 2023

Gardeners and budding green thumbs will find everything on their wish list at the Garden Lovers’ Fair, held at Bolobek, one of Victoria’s most historically significant gardens located at the foothills of the Macedon Ranges. An annual highlight since 2003, the Fair invites visitors to explore the Bolobek garden with tours hosted by the owner and the head gardener. You won’t leave empty-handed, with more than 50 specialist stallholders on site showcasing rare plants and bulbs, gardening tools and equipment, botanical art, bare rooted and grafted trees, perennials, garden sculpture, food and wine. Make a whole weekend of it and indulge in the Macedon Ranges’ array of artisan food and produce, cool-climate wines, boutique shops and breathtaking gardens.

gardenloversfair.com.au

TOURS

Mount Macedon Tours

Mount Macedon Tours give you access Mount Macedon’s most exclusive, private gardens. Led by local gardening experts, these tours give you exclusive access to some of the area’s most magnificent private gardens. Learn the fascinating history of the area as you explore gardens such as Duneira Estate, which spans 38 acres and is considered to be of ‘outstanding cultural significance’ by the National Trust of Australia. Another garden visited is Cameron Lodge, one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens in Australia, it dates back to the 1880’s. Tours run on select dates and include lunch at Mount Towrong Vineyard.

mountmacedontours.com.au

GARDENS

Forest Glade Gardens

Forest Glade Gardens are acknowledged as some of the most beautiful gardens in Australia. At almost 100-years old, the garden covers around 6 hectares (or 14.5 acres). Embracing a mixture of landscaping styles taking inspiration from English, Italian and woodland traditions, the garden has been designed with four distinct themes. Wander through the gardens at your own leisure, taking in the huge exotic trees, beautiful woodland area, cool fern gully and delightful Japanese garden. Open every day 10am to 4:30pm. Entry is $10 per adult (children under 16 are free).

forestgladegardens.com.au

Lambley Gardens & Nursery

You can wander the varied gardens of Lambley Gardens every day between 9am and 5pm. In their ‘Ornamental Gardens’ their spring display of flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, commences in late July and peaks in late September and early October. Many other rare and unusual perennials flower from then through until just prior to Christmas. Admire the vivid year-round displays before checking out their extensive range of plants for sale in the adjoining nursery. Entry is free.

lambley.com.au/gardens-at-lambley

Buda Historic Home & Garden

First built in 1861 and owned by the Leviny family since 1863, this Italianate-style grand home sits in a commanding position overlooking Castlemaine. Be transported to another era as you explore this historic house, which houses the Leviny family’s significant intact collection of furniture, artworks and personal belongings. After getting your history ‘fix’ inside, wander peacefully around the three acres of beautifully manicured heritage gardens – which are especially spectacular in spring. There’s also the option to pre-book a delicious gourmet picnic hamper, which can be enjoyed on the grounds. You can also take a little bit of Buda home, with heritage plants that have been propagated from Buda’s garden, available to purchase from the Buda Plant Nursery. Open daily from 12-4pm. Entry from $5-$12 or $30 for a family.

budacastlemaine.org

The Garden of St Erth

Cocooned in the Wombat State Forest, near Blackwood, The Garden of St Erth is a beautiful historic house and garden. Each season has something to offer the visitor, including carpets of daffodils in spring, long flowering flower borders in summer and magnificent autumn garden colour. Explore the gardens and discover an extraordinary range of espaliered fruit, heirloom vegetables and drought-tolerant flowers. Relax over coffee in the onsite cafe or opt for a picnic box to enjoy in the gardens. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in the onsite Garden Beds glamping. Entry to the Gardens of St Erth are free for members and children under 16, or $15 for visitors, Open daily from 10am-5pm.

diggers.com.au/our-gardens/st-erth

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm

Sitting in the picturesque farmlands of Shepherds Flat, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm encompasses one hundred acres, featuring European styled gardens, rows of colourful lavender, historic stone buildings, farm animals and more. After roaming the expansive gardens, you can enjoy Mediterranean and lavender inspired dishes at La Trattoria Bar & Eatery, located within the middle of the farm. Make sure you try the incredibly moreish lavender scones. Lavandula reopens on 15 September, 2023. Open from 10:30am to 5pm from Friday through to Tuesday. La Trattoria hours may vary. Gate fee is $5 for adults and $1 for primary school-aged children.

lavandula.com.au

Bringalbit

Located in Sidonia, north of Kyneton, Bringalbit is a unique part of Australia’s rural history and the setting is stunning. The huge old trees, ornamental lake and gardens provide a rare mood of peace and tranquillity. Follow the long driveway, bordered by mahogany gums, as it sweeps through rolling pastures towards the 1870’s stone homestead. Surrounding Bringalbit Homestead is a secluded 4-hectare garden which literally has its roots in the 19^th century. Open on weekends 10am-4pm or by appointment. Entry is $5 (children free).

bringalbit.com.au

BOTANIC GARDENS

The Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is home to an impressive collection of Botanic Gardens, all founded between the 1850s and 1860s. Spend some time wandering through each of the gardens, each of which have a distinct charm and unique plantings.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (Daylesford)

Malmsbury Botanic Gardens

Kyneton Botanic Gardens

Castlemaine Botanic Gardens

HERO IMAGE: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm