Event details
Open Gardens Victoria marks the launch of its 2025 spring season with a weekend double feature in the leafy eastern suburb of Surrey Hills, showcasing 2 exceptional gardens. Creekside and Ngamudji are located just a short stroll apart, each brimming with native plantings, sustainability features, and a deep connection to place.
Creekside spans a double block and backs onto the revegetated corridor of South Surrey Park. This section of the garden is shaped by its connection to the seasonal creek below, with extensive native plantings designed to encourage wildlife, including frogs, birds, bees, and other pollinators.
Large rocks are thoughtfully to create steps winding down through the garden, inviting visitors to explore its varied landscape, with original rock work done by Gordon Ford. The garden is home to many mature fruit trees such as mulberries, finger limes, and pomegranate, alongside silver birches, gum trees, and wisteria.
Owner Ana McCluskey has created a self-sustaining patch that is alive with activity year round.
“Prunings are mulched and large compost bins enrich the soil, with chickens adding to the country ambience of the garden,” says Ana. “New plantings are propagated on site by me, two beehives ensure plants are well pollinated and water is collected off the roof into a 25,000 litre tank.”