Open Gardens Victoria - Hydrangea House
Open Gardens Victoria - Hydrangea House
Located beside Lake Colac, Hydrangea House is a charming 1960s mid-century modernist home and garden on a small, irregular block along Colac's Esplanade. Owners Ken and Marg have called the property home for 25 years, during which Marg has lovingly developed the garden without professional planning.
The house embodies the mid-century ideal of bringing the outside in. Carefully positioned on the sloping site, its walls of windows connect the living spaces with the garden, lake and spectacular views from the large deck. Visitors will experience this indoor-outdoor connection as part of the garden visit.
Marg's passion for plants is evident throughout the garden, which has evolved as the site has become increasingly shaded. A camellia sasanqua hedge, perennial beds and David Austin roses line the driveway, while a jacaranda provides summer colour. Hellebores, camellias and shade-loving perennials bring winter interest, with the New Zealand rock lily (Anthropodium cirratum) among the plants successfully trialled for the challenging conditions.
Mass plantings of hydrangeas tumble through the picket fence, providing seasonal colour and giving the garden its name. Mature trees create a cool, leafy setting and demonstrate how a small suburban garden can adapt beautifully over time.
Visitors can also walk to the nearby Colac Botanic Gardens via the Bird Sanctuary and lake foreshore, where the local Friends group will hold a plant stall on the open day.
