Alowyn Gardens and Nursery started in June 1997 when Prue and John Van de Linde bought a run-down horse stud on the Melba Highway in Yarra Glen.
The gardens offer a unique experience for visitors.
Developed over 20 years, initially hosting only five trees on 52 acres, Alowyn has developed into a green destination.
Educational and visually exciting, Alowyn displays a large variety of plants tolerant of drought and frost.
The total area of the garden is approximately eight acres which includes a large edible garden, a parterre garden, a silver birch forest, French style garden, perennial border, casuarina forest, a series of small display gardens, the iconic wisteria archway and a new vegetable garden.
The gardeners at Alowyn love their bees and as a result, have planted many summer flowers including sunflowers, nepeta, poppies and roses.
The one-acre culinary garden is a delight for food lovers and a large display of fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers provides planting ideas for visitors.
A fully stocked extensive nursery is on-site with a range of plants available including outdoor and indoor plants and succulents, many of which feature in the gardens.
An interesting array of garden sculpture, beautiful pots and unusual items in the gift shop entice visitors.
There is also a small caf¨¦, which sells delicious coffee and a range of scones, cakes and hot food.
The gardens are open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
They are located at 1210 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen.
