The May Garden is a thoughtfully designed, climate-adapted garden in Kyneton, established in 2016 following the construction of the owners’ home. Guided by a commitment to sustainable gardening, its ornamental areas are designed to thrive on natural rainfall, with no supplementary irrigation once established. The result is a diverse and evolving garden that celebrates plants suited to dry summers and changing climatic conditions.
The garden brings together Mediterranean-inspired plantings, dry-climate perennials, grasses and plants from similar climates around the world. Under the canopy of a mature Eucalyptus viminalis, a Mediterranean garden showcases a collection of rare and unusual specimens, including Arbutus × andrachnoides, Acacia caerulescens and a Howard McMinn manzanita. Pebbled pathways wind through the garden, where self-seeding santolina and verbascum add a relaxed, naturalistic character.
The dry perennial borders combine plants from the Mediterranean, California, southern Africa and Australia, creating texture, seasonal interest and resilience. An additional garden planted in 2020 explores a more shaded environment, incorporating Mediterranean and Australian native species, including drifts of wallaby grasses.
The western side retains the original grapevines, trained over beautiful pergolas and arbors, alongside a collection of apple trees. To the south of the house, the productive garden provides seasonal vegetables, fruit and grapes. Chickens complete this sustainable cycle, supplying fresh eggs and valuable manure for compost.
The original garden master plan was prepared by Lisa Stafford of Lisa Stafford Garden Design and Melanie Husada of Poppy and the Bee developed the planting design for the main garden beds. The result is a personal and evolving garden that demonstrates how thoughtful design and a willingness to experiment can create a beautiful, productive and environmentally conscious landscape.
The closest public toilet is option 1.7km away in Hutton St, Kyneton
The May Garden is located on lands of the Kulin Nation People. Open Gardens Victoria wishes to acknowledge the Traditional custodians of this land and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Extra activities in the area:
Piper St – Enjoy a nice lunch in one of the cafes along Piper St and stroll through the local shops
Mollison St – Pick up some local produce from the Butcher at Hardwicks and local produce from Watts Fresh
Rodilesa Nursery – Variety of Native and exotic plants, indoor plants, trees and garden ware
Visit the town of Woodend 16km south of Kyneton or Macedon 25km south of Kyneton
Garden Notes
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.
Tickets can be purchased at the garden and will be available for pre-purchase online in late November.
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
