Hydrangea House – Open Gardens Victoria

Beautifully located beside Lake Colac and the Bird Sanctuary, Hydrangea House is a charming 1960s mid-century modernist home and garden on a small, irregular block along Colac’s Esplanade. Owners Ken and Marg have called the property home for 25 years, during which Marg has lovingly developed the garden without professional planning.
The house embodies the mid-century ideal of ‘bringing the outside in’. Carefully positioned on the sloping site, its walls of windows connect the living spaces with the garden, lake and spectacular views from the large deck. Visitors will experience this indoor-outdoor connection as part of the garden visit.
Marg’s passion for plants is evident throughout the garden, which has evolved as the site has become increasingly shaded. A camellia sasanqua hedge, perennial beds and David Austin roses line the driveway, while a jacaranda provides summer colour. Hellebores, camellias and shade-loving perennials bring winter interest, with the New Zealand rock lily, Anthropodium cirratum, among the plants successfully trialled for the challenging conditions. Mass plantings of hydrangeas tumble through the picket fence, providing seasonal colour and giving the garden its name.

Adults $10 Students $6 (with ID card)
Under 18 and students with OGV Annual Student Pass (with ID) - Free

Hydrangea House is located on the lands of the Eastern Maar people. Open Gardens Victoria wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.