Open Gardens Victoria - Kelso Park
Open Gardens Victoria - Kelso Park
Set among the rolling hills of the picturesque Kiewa Valley, Kelso Park is a charming 1.2-hectare garden in the rural district of Gundowring, north-east Victoria. Developed over 35 years, the garden surrounds a renovated farmhouse, with each garden bed reflecting different stages of family life and the owners' passion for creating a place of beauty and enjoyment.
Colourful cottage-style plantings of annual flowers combine with structural trees and shrubs to create an abundant, established garden. Eclectic garden art and repurposed rural treasures provide delightful surprises, adding character and interest throughout.
Family is at the heart of Kelso Park. Play spaces and a whimsical fairy garden have been created for grandchildren, while the productive vegetable garden supplies seasonal produce for young hands to harvest, inspiring the next generation of gardeners.
Beyond the house garden lies the picturesque lakeside, where repeated plantings of Iceberg and Seduction roses are spectacular in early November. Masses of arum lilies, bog iris and water lilies surround the water, while an amphitheatre-style garden showcases drought-tolerant plants suited to the local climate.
Lakeside lawns feature imaginative focal points, including a succulent-filled sunken boat, a weathered 1938 Chevrolet ute and historic farm machinery celebrating the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy handmade quilts, Filipino street food and homemade treats, with a portion of gate takings donated to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
