Set on a hilltop between Arthurs Seat and Main Ridge, this two-acre garden has been described by Gardens Illustrated as a joyful ‘jewel box’, offering solace and nurture. It is the work of owner and creator Ann-Maree Winter who has learnt to garden at scale through the ongoing shaping of this remarkable site over the past decade, still unfolding season by season.
Once a neglected property, the garden has been transformed into a series of richly layered garden rooms. Gravel paths and stone stairways cross the slope, linking three circular lawns and guiding visitors through shifting compositions of colour and texture. Long views across the garden are balanced with intimate spaces that invite closer observation and reward slow exploration.
Planting has evolved in response to climate, with early perennial borders gradually transitioned to more resilient plant choices. Ornamental grasses are prized for their movement and light-catching qualities, while drought-tolerant natives, including Anigozanthos (kangaroo paw), Poa and Themeda, are woven through hardy perennials. The garden responds gracefully to changing seasons while reflecting Ann-Maree's thoughtful approach to gardening.
The most recent addition is the transformation of the old tennis court into a 1,000-square-metre garden. Designed by landscape architect Timothy Mitchell in collaboration with Ann-Maree, the project celebrates imaginative repurposing: concrete slabs have been cut and reused as paths and steps; a stock trough has been reclaimed as a water feature; and salvaged fencing frames have been reimagined as arbours. The planting palette here is mainly native and very diverse, including many unusual and rare species.
Across the garden, visitors encounter shifting perspectives, resilient planting and an evolving landscape that reflects Ann-Maree's ongoing engagement with place. Paths open and close views across the slope, revealing moments of shelter and exposure that shift with light and season, reinforcing the garden's ‘jewel box’ quality, where each turn offers a fresh sense of discovery.
Chloe Foster will be selling and signing her book The Rookie Gardener on Saturday. And there will be plant sales from Merricks Nursery and Barambah Rare Plants and a coffee van onsite both days.
We’re opening The Winter Garden from 12pm to 6pm to allow visitors to enjoy the late afternoon light in this special garden. To keep visitor numbers at an enjoyable level throughout the day, entry will be via pre-purchased timed-entry tickets, available via TryBooking (see details below).
A portion of gate takings will be donated to Children’s Ground (childrensground.org.au) and Southern Peninsula Community Support (www.spcsic.org).
The Winter Garden is located on the lands of the Bunurong 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:
Wineries – Red Hill Estate, T’Gallant
This garden will be open from 12pm to 6pm on the dates listed above. Entry will be via pre-purchased timed-entry tickets, available via TryBooking.
Session times are: 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 4pm on each day.
Please respect the garden owners' privacy and visit only during opening hours. There will be no early entries.
Prepaid tickets available via Trybooking: $10 Adults, $6 Students (with ID card), Free for visitors under 18 or students who have purchased an annual Student Pass (with ID).
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
