sweet dreams are made of this

Take inspiration from the garden rooms at beautiful Broughton Hall

1 An airy metal arbour marks the entrance to the Yellow Garden. See how the yellow-pink tones of the apricot-coloured roses and the pale yellow highlights of the shrubbery make the transition from one ‘room’ to the next gentle, easy and seamless!

The renowned garden on show at Broughton Hall in Victoria’s Gippsland is one you can only dream about having, considering its size, the time it takes to tend and its celebration of roses. What is attainable, however, is the multitude of ideas it presents – such as how a little wooden arched seat fortified with pots of lavender can sit sweetly in your garden. Or what plant is ideal for a shady spot. Or how one pillar in a colonnade can become a vertical garden in your courtyard. It shows that, while flowers catch your eye, it’s form and foliage that fill the picture.

ABOUT THE GARDEN

On top of a hill where cattle once grazed, grace is energised

Broughton Hall grew from a cow paddock outside Jindivick village in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just 25 years ago. The entrance is defined by a dappled birch forest from which you emerge into a dazzle of colour that drips down terraces from the central axis. There’s an abundance of roses plus bulbs, perennials and rare plants, paired with iron gates, plinths, obelisks and rotundas, and rounded out with fabulous foliage. Both formal and exuberant, it’s a labour of love by co-owner David Musker, flowing dreamily over 1.5ha.

SEE IT!

WHERE 125 Palmer Rd, Jindivick, Victoria, about 90 minutes’ drive east of Melbourne

WHEN 2 April to 1 July, 2022 then 1 September to 18 December; Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm

COST $20, under 18 free MORE info Visit muskersbroughtonhall.com.au COVID-19 restrictions may apply

2 Showing the splendour and vitality of seasonal change, the garden is an island of rich foliage and colour.

3 The Yellow Garden features – yep, you guessed it! – yellow roses, but also towering pyramids of lovely, calming white valerians. Plant one and you’ll get more for free, as they’re happy self-seeders.

4 It may feature symmetric boundaries but the parterre garden offers variety within.

5 This is how you borrow from neighbours! The Upper Terrace is private and enclosed with clipped box hedges, yet the view hints at what lies beyond.