Kawarra Australian plant garden is a hidden gem in the Dandenong Ranges only a short drive from the city of Melbourne, Australia.
Australia is so dry at the moment that when some welcome rain fell in Melbourne at the end of April everyone was relieved and I had the opportunity to visit Kawarra Australian Native Plant Garden in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne where I could really appreciate the effect of even a small amount of rain. Although the garden is not huge, it is unique. The two-hectare site (about 8 acres) has been converted from farmland to a native wonderland. The garden contains one of the largest ranges of Australian plants from the local area.
The rain had revived the plants and the garden was full of tiny honey eating birds.
The plants are all subtly labelled so it is easy to identify the plant species. The garden also contains many rare and unusual species. It is just lovely to walk the meandering paths through the fern gully and rainforest area, the water garden and the Boronia and Waratah collections. Kawarra Gardens offers a relaxing side trip on a visit to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. It is a quiet corner where you can experience the great variety of Australian plants. The gardens also offer a small nursery where you can buy propagated plants and facilities that can be hired for events such as seminars and small weddings. I was pleasantly surprised to find this garden hidden away behind Kalorama Reserve just off the Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road. Not even many locals know it is there. For a great quiet and relaxed way to get an appreciation for Australian plants Kawarra Native Plant Garden is just perfect.
The property is owned by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and relies on a “friends” group to help maintain this gem of Australian bushland plants.
