Discover hidden gardens near you

SIX gardens across Torquay will welcome visitors next weekend for the return of Torquay’s Open Gardens on November 8.

This year will mark the second instalment of the event, following its success in 2024.

Event organiser Matt Knight said the gardens were all really diverse in what they offered.

“They range in size from nature strips right through to a couple of acres and quite a range of styles, some productive gardens with food, there’s some quite modern designs. There’s a couple which are larger and a few smaller, but I think people can all find inspiration from the different styles.”

A range of activities will also accompany the gardens this year with information on building a public garden on offer at one stop, along with Devonshire teas and an arts sale at another garden.

Local artist Cinnamon Stephens has curated the Arts Sale, which features garden sculptures and artworks inspired by gardens.

Mr Knight said the Open Gardens and activities were a way to get to know people in the community.

“There’s a real passion for gardening and horticulture on the Surf Coast. I think it’s nice for the community to be able to see some of these spaces, get inspired by these spaces, and also for the garden owners to show off their hard work.”

Whether it’s a vegetable bed or a more traditional garden, Mr Knight is hoping people who head along will find some inspiration and take the opportunity to ask the owners on hand any questions.

“I had quite a lot of children and families through last year, right up to retirement, there’s a retirement gardening group from Geelong who came down in a minibus.”

The Open Gardens is a free event, however people are encouraged to donate through the websites or at the garden gates, with all funds raised being donated to Deakin University’s nursing program.

For more information and the suggested garden route, head to torquayopengardens.weebly.com