Just over two hours from Melbourne, nestled in the beautiful tableland of Strathbogie in Victoria’s northeast, is Sunnymeade Cottage Garden, Kithbrook (not to be confused with Sunnymeade at Anglesea). In days past, the area was previously home to infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, gold miners and tree loggers. Today it’s a quiet rural area, home to vineyards, farms, farm stays, and our destination – Sunnymeade Cottage Garden for a rare open day.

Garden Plan

Craig Irving started Sunnymeade Cottage Garden in 1986. In 2017 Sunnymeade won the Melbourne Cup Tour and VRC Australian Garden competition. The garden is laid out along the lines of interconnecting rooms. An Incan wall garden and a circular lawn are enclosed by towering hornbeam hedges from Europe. A Persian garden invites you into the tiled pavilion.

Further along, is the Yellow Garden boasting an iron arbour with wisteria. A rose garden with old-fashioned roses with a Victorian-era gazebo to sit in. Additionally, there is a medieval garden, a walled garden with a moon gate, a rose walk, a sunken garden, a fruit garden and an Egyptian garden.

Unhelpful weather gods

The day before our visit was in the high 30s, and we had everything crossed that our day wouldn’t be so hot. Unfortunately, the weather gods granted our wishes but went a little overboard with the cool change, giving us bland white skies and no sun. We even had a quick rain shower as we walked around (taking refuge in the gazebo).

Topiary Trees

I love Topiary, and Craig has undoubtedly mastered the skill. His immaculate hedges and spiral trees were a delight. However, while I thoroughly enjoyed our visit, I wished we had sunshine and blue skies. Maybe, fingers crossed, it will be open again in spring.