Alda Acres

Alda Acres is a warm, evolving two-acre landscape shaped over fifteen years by owners Shelley and Robin, transforming what was once a pine-dominated block into a diverse and character-rich garden. After removing the original Monterey pines, the existing gums began to flourish, complemented by additional plantings of manna, snow, spotted and lemon-scented gums, along with flowering gums that now anchor the garden’s structure. Raised native garden beds, created to improve drainage in Bittern’s clay soil, frame the main house and blend into mixed productive and ornamental spaces.

Visitors will encounter an eclectic mix of natives, exotics and edibles: rotating vegetable beds, perennial crops, berries, stone fruits, and figs, centred around a new herb garden made from reclaimed 44-gallon drums. Succulent lovers will enjoy the mature kidney-shaped succulent garden and two newer sand-and-scoria beds.

Alda Acres also features three experimental ‘truffle trees’, a thriving chook run, and gentle meandering paths and rows of culturally significant Cherry Ballarts. Sculptures, mosaics and upcycled farm relics enliven the property, reflecting a garden made with resourcefulness, creativity and deep affection for place.

A selection of Shelley’s mosaic birdbaths will be available for purchase, along with native seedlings from Merricks Nursery. Coffee and cakes and slices will also be for sale.

Tickets are available online via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1499173?

Alda Acres is located on the lands of the Bunorong People. Open Gardens Victoria wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.