The Baker garden in Griffith is open to the public again and is more accessible in 2026. Photo: OGC.
Whether you’re a raw beginner or a seasoned gardener, there’s nothing quite so addictive as looking at other people’s gardens.
They’re a fertile source of inspiration, design ideas and straightforward knowledge about what will (or won’t) grow in our neck of the woods. That latter point is critically important in Canberra, where our seasonal conditions are quite different and often a fair bit tougher than coastal Australia – so where better to learn about what does well than from the neighbours?
This spring, the Open Gardens Canberra programme includes nine varied gardens (with more to come in autumn), each demonstrating the skills and imagination Canberra gardeners have in abundance.
The Forrest Bower is a two-in-one garden, enabling two quite different but complementary approaches to flourish. A leafy green, restrained and restful garden surrounds the original area, while the block next door takes advantage of a different space to create a more colourful, vibrant plant palette and landscaping. The garden is open on September 19 and 20.
Late in September, garden visitors can be inspired by years of dedication in the Garden of Memories at Lyons. This 60-year-old garden demonstrates all the benefits of maturity, as well as the complexities of renewal and rejuvenation.
Sited atop a large block with sweeping valley views, the garden has new landscaping and eclectic planting to complement the established structure. It opens on the weekend of September 26 and 27.
There’s a last chance to visit a couple of favourite Canberra gardens this spring: the Baker garden in Griffith is beautifully maintained and has been recently modified for easier access and maintenance, an important consideration for older gardeners in particular. It’s open on October 3 and 4.
Els’ Garden in Flynn. Photo: OGC.
Els’ Garden in Flynn is unusually large with a backyard creek, extensive native plantings and a wisteria-covered pergola. Don’t miss it on 10-11 October.
And if you’re considering how to manage some acres, the Vogelweide Estate in Gundaroo is outstanding. The gardens draw their inspiration from European planting beneath a well-established tree canopy, with masses of heavenly roses and peonies, and a traditional herbaceous border demonstrating real skill. The Vogelweide estate is open on 24-25 October.
Canberra is a green city with garden suburbs that were a key part of the city’s original plan. Garden By Fleur in Braddon, which opens on 31 October-1 November, surrounds a multigenerational family home. The professional design is a masterclass in making the best use of an average-sized block and suits family living.
As spring reaches its peak in early November, don’t miss the restful and much-loved Joan’s Garden in Fadden on 7-8 November. Garden lovers may have previously seen this green and restful garden in its autumn finery and can now enjoy spring-flowering planting and a secluded pond.
Sustainability is a key driver for many establishing new gardens, and when Zhou’s Sustainable Kitchen Garden opens on 21-22 November in Kambah, visitors can explore an entire suburban block dedicated to sustainable and organic gardening. The garden includes a thriving orchard with a huge variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs and productive edible plants of every kind.
The restful and much-loved Joan’s Garden in Fadden has evolved over the years. Photo: OGC.
On the same weekend, the Secret Country Garden in Waramanga is a beautifully layered Australian garden blending formal structure with relaxed cottage planting, and featuring abundant spring colour, tranquil outdoor rooms alive with birdlife and secluded sitting areas.
Garden entries from the 2025-26 program funded horticulture scholarships, and grants to support community projects. Funding for new projects is currently in train and will be announced shortly.
Membership of Open Gardens Canberra at $30 per annum gives you free entry to all OGC gardens for the whole financial year. If you’d like to help, volunteers are essential to opening the gardens and are always needed and welcome.
Contact info@opengardenscanberra.org.au for more information about the program and membership.
