Formerly known at the Rhododendron Garden, these beautiful gardens are spectacular all year round. Most frequently visited by people from all over the world during the spring months when the whole garden is a wash of colour, I can however assure you that today in the middle of June they were absolutely packed.
The gardens are located on The Georgian Road, Olinda and are open from 10.00am, and the last entry is at 4.30pm as they close at 5.00pm. You are definitely going to need more than 30 minutes to explore these gardens. For people unable to make the long and enchanting walk around the gardens there is a bus that I believe is open everyday throughout Spring but at the moment only on Wednesdays. I think this is an excellent service at a fair price and those who are unable to walk around the whole 36 hectares is an excellent way for them to see the garden. Why should anyone miss out on this beauty.
There was still enough Autumn colour left in the gardens to make me go wow and enough winter sleepy trees to remind me we are in fact in winter. It is often cold up here so make sure you rug up in layers as when you walk to the bottom like we did, things soon warm up as you head back up. All the main paths are sealed and wide, there are a few well maintained gravel tracks running off the main track which takes you around the gardens. As I mentioned they are all wide, wide enough for all three of us to comfortably walk along together as you can see below.
The Autumn leaves left proudly on their branches are absolutely stunning in colour. Mostly yellows but there were some magnificent oranges and reds to be found by those looking for them such as myself.
This particular tree below is called ‘Winter Gold’ it is located down the bottom of the gardens and is always a surprise to see. It’s branches are as the name suggests gold in colour and it’s always worth the walk down the bottom of the garden to see.
I assure you all the children I see there are thoroughly enjoying themselves walking through this winter wonderland, they love taking in all the beauty it has to offer as much as the adults do. However, all the little ones (including mine) love to visit the telephones. There are two old telephone boxes located approximately 15 metres apart, and one person can go in one and one the another, and would you believe it you can talk to each other. They are a lot of fun and keep children guessing, how on earth do they work?
Keep in mind if Rhododendrons don’t interest you there will be another species of plant here that does. I couldn’t possibly name them all you would fall asleep reading the extensive list, but to name a few highlights camellia, tree ferns, azaleas, mountain ashes and depending on the season daffodil and hellebore. I have saved my favourite until last the cherry blossom. The cherry blossoms here are so spectacular that they hold a yearly Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival during spring when the cherry blossoms are at their most exquisite. You really need to time your visit to see them in full bloom so carefully as I have found them to be most perfect to view for only about two weeks. At the moment the cherry trees are sound asleep, but I am looking forward to them waking up once more.
If you have worked up a thirst enjoying your stroll through the gardens, you may like to stop in at Cafe Vireya for a tea, coffee or a cold drink. They also serve slices and a small selection of savoury items.
For those who love the garden so much, why not hold your wedding reception in the beautiful Mist @Olinda.
Enjoy these gardens all year round and don’t wait for my ‘Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden - In Spring’ blog before going yourself.
Comentarios