A Day of Botanical Inspiration: Alowyn Gardens & The Edible Forest
On a sunny day in the Yarra Valley, 28 enthusiastic participants joined us for a memorable garden-themed outing filled with beauty, learning, and connection. Our first stop was the breathtaking Alowyn Gardens, a magical horticultural destination that began as a dream in the heart of its creator, Prue.
Prue welcomed us warmly and shared her heartfelt journey of discovering the land and transforming it into the stunning garden it is today. She spoke of her vision to design a series of ‘garden rooms’, each with its own unique character and seasonal beauty. With immense care, she brought this vision to life — a process that has taken years of passion, planning, and persistence.
After the talk, we were invited to wander through the gardens at our own pace. The layout is a symphony of themed areas, including the Formal Parterre Garden, with structured hedges of Buxus sempervirens (boxwood) and neatly trimmed lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). The Silver Birch Forest, with its elegant canopy of Betula pendula, created a serene and calming atmosphere. The Edible Garden section was full of herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees — a delightful contrast to the ornamental spaces.
Kristie kindly took a small group of us on a more guided walk through Alowyn Gardens, offering extra insights into the garden design and pointing out seasonal highlights and hidden details we might have otherwise missed. he also took us on a peaceful walk through the Casuarina forest, where the soft, needle-like foliage of the she-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) and its gentle rustling, created a moment of quiet reflection.
One highlight for many was walking through the iconic Wisteria Arbour. While the wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) wasn’t in bloom during our visit, the structure itself — with its gracefully trained vines and intricate framework — offered a glimpse of the magic that unfolds during flowering season. Even without the blossoms, the arbour held a quiet elegance and hinted at the vibrant display to come in spring.
The Perennial Border was bursting with color, featuring a vibrant array of Echinacea purpurea, Salvia nemorosa, and Rudbeckia hirta. Every corner invited curiosity and admiration.
After soaking in the tranquility of Alowyn, the group made their way to the Yarra Glen Café, where we shared a delicious lunch. The menu catered beautifully to all dietary needs, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and hearty options alike. It was a time of connection — conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and new friendships began to blossom. The warmth and openness of the group added something truly special to the day.
Our final stop was the inspiring Edible Forest, where 24 of us gathered to hear from the visionary behind the project, Louise Ward. Louise shared how she was inspired by permaculture principles and the dream of creating a sustainable food forest that would educate and nourish the community. Her passion was infectious as she guided us through the forest, which is carefully planted with layers of edible and medicinal species.
We explored a diverse array of plants, each chosen for its usefulness and contribution to the forest ecosystem. Among them were Berberis vulgaris (barberry), valued for its tart, edible berries — and we even got to taste some, adding a burst of flavor to our walk! Other highlights included Smyrnium olusatrum (alexander leaf), once a common salad green in ancient times; Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat), known for its soil-enriching qualities and nutritious seeds; Tithonia diversifolia (tree marigold), a striking plant with golden flowers and excellent composting potential; and Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), prized for its calming properties and delightful citrus scent. The Edible Forest is a living example of how beauty, utility, and sustainability can coexist in harmony.
The day ran from 10am to 3:15pm, and by the end, we left feeling inspired, refreshed, and deeply connected to both nature and each other. From the artistry of Prue’s gardens to the sustainability of Louise’s Forest, we witnessed what can grow when dreams take root and flourish.
Immense gratitude goes to Prue from Alowyn Gardens and Louise from the Edible Forest.
Wisteria arbour at Alowyn Gardens
Japanese Zen garden at Alowyn Gardens
Group of attendees at Alowyn Gardens
Perennial border at Alowyn Gardens
Gourds at Alowyn Gardens
Rose garden at Alowyn Gardens
The Plantmark crew
Sign at the Edible Forest
Liesha introducing Louise Ward at the Edible Forest
Louise talking to the group at the Edible Forest
Crataegus germanica (Medlar)
Attendees of the Edible Forest
Veggie patch at the Edible Forest
