Blackwood Ridge Gardens, formerly known as The Plantsman’s Garden, was featured on Better Homes & Gardens in 2023 (both TV and magazine) and is situated in the Macedon Ranges one hour northwest of Melbourne, four kilometres from the historic gold mining town of Blackwood. A private garden of three acres, the site was chosen twenty-five years ago by the current owners for its rich mountain soil, natural springs and cool climate – a perfect combination in which to build a garden.
The gardens, designed to flow with the natural landscape, include water features and showcase one of the region’s largest plant collections including Japanese Maples, Dogwoods, Berberis, Hydrangeas, flowering perennials and rare and grafted conifers.
The three-acre gardens include a mix of woodland and formal English-style garden rooms and of particular interest is the Japanese inspired garden which features a collection of rare and unusual plants from Northeast Asia.
The garden also features a large collection of Rhododendrons and many mature trees, which include Oaks and Maples and a Himalayan white Birch forest.
At the time of this opening, the Rhododendron and spring perennials and late flowering bulbs will be in full bloom, and witness the fresh spring foliage colours on the Japanese Maples.
There will be light refreshments available in the gardens and some of the proceeds will be donated to the Australian Rhododendron Society.
Blackwood Ridge Gardens is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri People. Open Gardens Victoria wish to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Extra activities in the area:
Blackwood village – historic gold mining village, Blackwood Hotel, Post Office café, Old Blackwood General Café
Blackwood Mineral Springs and nature walks
Garden of St Erth - Blackwood
Trentham tourist town – Shops and cafes, Hotel Trentham, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Du Fermier, Red Beard Bakery and Sisko Chocolates.
Nearby Daylesford tourist town and local wineries in the Macedon Ranges
Strictly only opening on the dates and times listed on this website. Please respect the garden owners' privacy and visit only during opening hours. There will be no early entries.
Entry: $10 Adults, $6 Students (with ID card), Free for visitors under 18 or students who have purchased an annual Student Pass (with ID).
Tickets can be booked and pre-paid online via TryBooking. You can also pay on the day.
Sustainable practices are important to OGV, therefore where possible please either print your own garden notes or save them for viewing on your mobile device.
If you’re a tertiary student, why not purchase our OGV Student Pass, providing you with entry to all our garden openings for the year for just $25. Find out more and purchase your pass via TryBooking.
Become a Friend of OGV and receive two x 2 for the price of 1 garden passes, plus a one off 10% discount to some of Victoria's best garden centres via Trybooking.
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