Open Gardens Victoria - The Apiary

Peter has planted generously to provide forage for his bees, while Margaret has created peaceful spaces that invite visitors to slow down and explore.

Winding paths connect a series of garden rooms, where productive gardens, ornamental borders and naturalistic plantings create a richly layered landscape.

Visitors will discover silver birches and ginkgos underplanted with spring bulbs, stately beeches and oaks, a mature oak and a 200-year-old Grey Gum. A hazelnut walk and indigenous plantings add further interest, while rare shade-loving perennials mingle with violets beneath the oaks. Bright poppies bring seasonal colour.

A much-loved moss lawn provides a tranquil green carpet surrounded by shade-loving plants. Near the house, the productive vegetable garden features unusual edibles including sea kale and walking stick cabbages, framed by bay and box hedging. A nepeta parterre, herb garden and citrus orchard, home to Margaret's chickens, complete the garden.

After more than three decades of planting and experimentation, The Apiary is a garden shaped by a love of trees, bees and peaceful places. A portion of gate takings will support Opening The Doors Foundation.