Open Gardens Victoria - The Rowe Garden

Regional garden lovers are in for an Easter weekend treat as Open Gardens Victoria opens this charming private garden filled with vibrant autumn colour. The Rowe Garden is located just 10 minutes south of Beechworth, in the farming village of Stanley. The area is renowned for its cool climate and fertile soils that provide the perfect growing conditions for apples, stone fruit, berries, and nuts. Owners Libby Kingdon and Michael Rowe started work on the gently sloping 2.5-acre site just four short years ago. The garden's rapid establishment is a testament to the ideal growing conditions of the area. A few existing mature trees, notably a majestic elm in the turning circle and two significant weeping myrtles, provided a starting point. The horizontal and vertical axis of the garden, with a striking birch walk and fountain in the centre, and the large round brick entertaining area, which serves as a garden focal point, are two key design elements. Stunning views across the nearby hills draw the eye beyond the garden. A major feature of the garden is the extensive granite stonework, created by local stonemasons including garden beds, the turning circle, retaining walls, and the fascia for the new swimming pool. Together the owners have created a low-maintenance 'park-like' garden, which will continue to become more elegant and interesting with the passage of time.