A time of transition

As Victoria moves gently toward winter and the days continue to shorten, our gardens seem reluctant to let autumn go. Colour still glows through deciduous trees and vine-covered fences, while cooler mornings arrive wrapped in mist across many parts of the state. There is a lingering softness to June — still afternoons touched by golden sunlight, soil still holding warmth, and gardens that continue to reward us as the season slowly turns.

Here in Melbourne/Naarm and much of central Victoria, the Kulin Nation recognises this seasonal shift as Waring, or Wombat Season — a time marked by colder mornings, increased rainfall and lower sunlight, when wombats emerge to bask in brief moments of sunshine.

While our open gardens begin their winter pause, there is still much going on at OGV behind the scenes as we plan and prepare for our upcoming spring openings. Like a duck gliding calmly across the pond, there is plenty of paddling beneath the surface.

This in-between time brings its own quiet rewards in the garden. June is the month for harvesting citrus, sowing cool-season vegetables and building soil health ahead of spring’s surge of growth. Our favourite nurseries are beginning to stock bare-root roses and fruit trees, tempting us with plans for future projects. And throughout the garden, native banksias and grevilleas continue to provide vital nectar for birds.

In our June newsletter, we celebrate the invaluable contribution of our volunteers, share a sneak peek of spring garden openings already confirmed—with more landing in the months ahead—and launch our winter garden competition, inviting you to share what is bringing life and joy in your own garden this season.

As the garden shifts from one season to the next, it reminds us that transition itself is part of the rhythm, a quieter time of reflection, preparation and renewal ahead.

Happy gardening,
The OGV Team

Thank you to our volunteers

National Volunteer Week 2026 (18–24 May) was a wonderful chance to celebrate and thank the incredible people who support every part of Open Gardens Victoria. As an almost entirely volunteer-run organisation, we rely on the passion, generosity, and enthusiasm of volunteers right across OGV — from our Committee of Management and subcommittee heads, to our garden selectors, events team and gate volunteers.

Like a thriving garden, our organisation grows through the efforts of people willing to dig in. Quite simply, we couldn’t do it without them.

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, Your Year to Volunteer, recognised the important role volunteers play in building stronger, more connected communities, while encouraging more people to discover the rewards of getting involved.

To every one of our volunteer, thank you for the time, energy and care you bring to OGV. You help create the welcoming and vibrant community we’re so proud to be part of.

And if you’ve ever thought about volunteering with us, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Make 2026 be your year to volunteer!

Capture the magic of winter

Share your winter garden photos with us and you could win an OGV merchandise prize pack. From soft light and dewy petals, to bare trees and pops of winter colour, we’d love to see what is happening in your winter garden or a garden near you. Send us your high-resolution photos by 15 August and we’ll announce our winners in the September newsletter.

Plan your spring diary

We’re filling our calendar with fabulous gardens opening in spring across Victoria. Here’s a snapshot of what we have confirmed so far. Visit our What’s On page for more details

The colours of autumn

Our OGV volunteers have shared their favourite autumn photos with us including a magnificent Forest Pansy and beautiful crepe myrtle. Autumn light is so wonderfully gentle, allowing these rich hues of colour to pop against hard landscapes and blue skies. We hope you enjoy them as this beautiful season draws to a close.

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