Set among the rolling hills of the picturesque Kiewa Valley, Kelso Park is a charming 1.2-hectare garden in the quiet, rural district of Gundowring, in north-east Victoria. This welcoming garden is surrounded by extensive farmland and has evolved over 35 years, with each new garden bed reflecting different stages of family life and a long-held passion by the owners for creating a place of beauty and enjoyment.
Around the renovated farmhouse, colourful cottage-style plantings of annual flowers are complemented by structural trees and shrubs, creating a garden that feels both abundant and established. An eclectic collection of garden art and repurposed rural treasures provides delightful surprises throughout the garden, adding character and year-round interest.
Family sits at the heart of Kelso Park. Play spaces and a whimsical fairy garden have been created especially for grandchildren, while a productive vegetable garden supplies seasonal produce for young hands to harvest, inspiring the next generation of gardeners.
A wander beyond the house garden leads to the picturesque lakeside, where generous, repeated plantings of Iceberg and Seduction roses are at their spectacular best in early November. Mass plantings of arum lilies, bog iris and colourful water lilies surround the water's edge, while an amphitheatre-like garden showcases drought-tolerant species suited to the challenges of the local climate.
The lakeside lawns feature an imaginative collection of focal points, including a sunken boat filled with succulents, a beautifully weathered 1938 Chevrolet ute resting among the plantings and historic farm machinery that celebrates the district's agricultural heritage.
Adding another creative dimension to the weekend, visitors will also enjoy a display of handmade quilts crafted by friends and family who share a passion for quilting, making Kelso Park a delightful celebration of both gardening and country creativity.
The local CWA will be providing delicious homemade morning and afternoon teas and lunch throughout the weekend.
A portion of the gate takings will be donated to the Fred Hollows Foundation https://www.hollows.org/
In the spirit of reconciliation, Open Gardens Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Extra activities in the area:
Dederang Pub
Tallangatta – on the banks of the Mitta Arm of Lake Hume
Visit the statue of Sandy the War Horse in Tallangatta
Accessible lookouts
Strictly only opening 10am to 4.30pm on the dates listed above. 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.
Please stay at home if you're unwell
