Our first stop on our autumn trip was The Peaceful Land of Joy Gardens at the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke. The rose gardens here are well renowned and the society have 2 Rose Garden Open Days annually in spring and autumn.
We were treated to an extensive and delicious morning tea on our arrival. Our volunteer guide, Pam, then gave us a tour of the gardens. She explained that no pesticides are used; therefore extensive companion planting with Salvias and Marigolds is practiced to detract insects and possums from the roses.
There are 2 lakes on the property, which are used to water the garden, as well as provide a tranquil addition the garden scene. There is also a lovely stand of golden robina trees that provide a beautiful dappled sunlight around the perimeter of the rose garden.
After 2 hours of relaxing in this beautiful oasis, we took a short detour to the Roxburgh Park Hotel for a lovely buffet lunch.
After lunch we visited our second garden in Greenvale, the very pretty Villa Verde, a 6-acre garden lovingly created by Antoinette and Rocky over 17 years. When their house was first built, Antoinette wanted a garden view from every window. Standing in the barren paddock, her architect thought she was mad! Her vision has certainly been realized - the garden now boasts over 2,000 rose bushes, lakes, waterfalls and artworks around every corner. It is no surprise that this garden is used extensively for weddings, as well as fundraising events annually.
