Town Gardens 2021
1. “Ralph-Simon Garden”
David Ralph & Rosemary Simon 
Cnr. North St.  and Racecourse Rd, Yea
Not quite the blank canvas we had on 110 acres in Strath Creek, but a charming picture garden surrounding the home with four tall trees, Iceberg roses at each verandah post and camelias on two sides of the block the only plants when we moved here.
Now, almost two years later....
Icebergs have been relocated, established trees have now colourful beds of Salvias, Dianthus, Penstemons, Irises and other mixed cottage plants beneath their shade. Shade loving, woodland plants, Cyclamen, Violets, Hellebores, and bulbs now feature under the established Camellias, Magnolias, and Silver Birch.An inviting outdoor, eating area has been created with a curved wall/seating area embracing a stone walled fire pit.
The abundant vegetable garden leads to a caged orchard/poultry area, now fronted by a newly created potager garden. A water feature is surrounded by a wandering Native plant area which completes the garden. Definitely worth a visit!
 
 
 
2. “The Akers Garden”
Russell Akers and Beverly Seuntjens
55 Snodgrass Street, Yea
This garden has huge street appeal and although a small town garden, epitomises great ‘lifestyle’ liveability.
The feature of the front garden is a beautiful Weeping Elm which gives structural appeal in winter, Spring flowerets and Autumn colour. Weeping Silver Birches and a thriving Japanese Maple also give architectural beauty in winter and lovely colour and shade during summer and Autumn. Curving flower beds, an immaculate lawn and diverse hedging as well as a large and thriving display of pots in the protection of the front verandah give lots of colour and interest. 
A pretty display of  hanging baskets draws you through the carport into the back garden where an inviting and beautifully landscaped entertaining area will show you what can be achieved in a suburban garden to enjoy maximum summer outdoor living.
Some strategically placed plantings inside the pool area give a tropical feel while the perimeter fencing has amassed display of Nandina Domestica to give year-round colour and standard roses for summer splendour. A mighty Photinia hedge gives privacy and shelter on one side and hedges of other diverse foliage and colour add variety and form to the back garden.
Admire the wonderful display of stag-horns, ferns and succulents behind the carport as you wander through to the back garden.  Partially hidden at the bottom of the garden are flourishing vegetable beds. Fruit trees and roses screen the back fence and a pretty pond and men’s shed complete a beautiful retreat in the heart of the township. 
 
 
 
 
3. "Rumah Cinta"
Glynne Cousins-Pietzsche & Kevin Hughes
112 High Street, Yea
 
When you see a garden extending onto the nature strip, you know a keen gardener lives behind and this planting gives some inkling of what is to be found in the garden; although the native planting on the nature strip is a dry Australian landscape; the back garden is a shady forest glade.
Glynne has always been a keen gardener, even as a child when her father helped her establish an elaborate garden of her own. This is not her first garden either although she has been here since 1984. Her garden has had a few changes over the years It is hard to believe that in 1984 the block was bare except for a small gum tree, a large elm and lots of grass. Spread newspaper and many trailer loads of pine needles on top got rid of the grass and heavy mulching built up the soil to start the garden which now mulches itself.
The pretty front garden is crammed with more conventional plantings of azaleas, roses, geraniums, cycads and ferns. An old Mulberry tree holds centre stage, providing food and nesting for the many birds. Most plants in the garden have been propagated or grown from seed that Glynne collects herself.  She especially loves striking geraniums and will have some for sale over the open garden weekend.
The side entry, through the carport, is a mass of ferns of all descriptions including huge hanging baskets of lush maiden-hair ferns and mass plantings of bird’s nest and elk ferns etc. Small treasures and arty knick-knacks make this a place to linger.
The garden at the rear is a fern forest. Towering gum trees shelter mass plantings of ferns of every description and it is astounding to remember this is a suburban garden in a hot dry summer climate.
Meandering brick paths invite you to wander past dark ponds, a secluded patio (perfect for hot summer evenings), enormous and thriving ferns of every description, lots of water features for the birds and many interesting quirky features.  A beautifully cool, restful and secluded retreat.
Although Glynne is the main gardener, Kevin is a good and willing assistant for all the heavy work.
 
 
 
4. “The Ireland Garden”
Owners: Wayne & Cherry Ireland,
5 High Street, Yea.
This front garden perfectly complements this beautifully restored period home. A formal planting of standard white Iceberg Roses interplanted with Nandina for all-year-round colour, outlines the perimeter of the small but eye-catching garden exuding great street appeal. Two weeping Birches, either side of the central path leading to the front door, give height and structure to beds full of old fashioned but much- loved cottage plants such as Lavenders, geraniums, violets, iris and more.
Venerable Photinia hedges along the driveway and on the western side in the back garden give complete privacy as well as impact with their Spring flowers and the crimson new growth. These are underplanted with Agapanthus for more colour and interest during the hot summer months.
The rear garden is a delight. A High trellis supports a Boston Ivy which is a spectacular feature in the Autumn and gives beautiful shade in the Summer. The rear verandah has a lovely display of succulents and ferns in pots and tiered planters as well as some thriving Stag-horns and provides a lovely spot to relax. There are three very attractive seating areas in this small rear garden giving options to enjoy different aspects of the garden as well as choosing to enjoy filtered sun or deep shade.
The garden beds are full of ferns, natives and perennials giving variety and all-year interest. Some large Diosmas and four formally placed pencil pines give great accent interest to this area.
 
 
 
5. “Belvoir”
Athol & Wendy Bradley
9 Whatton Place, Yea
A significant landmark garden and house of historical significance.  Built in 1859 it was was the first ‘gentleman’s’ residence in the fledging township and would have had spectacular views over the Yea River Wetlands.
 This beautiful period home is nestled in an olde world garden; all in the heart of Yea township.  A mature garden planted out with several rare and specialist deciduous trees, including a Copper Beech, are now a venerable size and provide seclusion and deep Summer shade.   A feature of the garden is the wisteria vine that climbs to a height of the liquid amber in the front garden and is a spectacular talking point in Spring  
The garden beds are a mixture of cottage plants and bulbs.  Camellias and Azaleas feature strongly in the front gardens.  Old fashioned hedging hides paths that meander through the gardens.  Hidden statues, water features and secluded seating are placed throughout the garden giving the garden a very peaceful feel.
A formal rose garden is hidden behind the hedge. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine and sit, listening to the tranquility of the water tumbling down the three-tier water feature.
 
 
This will be the first time Belvoir has its garden open and it is stunning addition to our open gardens this year.
 
 
 
 
6.  The Yea Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
5 Welch Street, Yea
 
The Yea Garden Club Annual plant sale can be found at 'Abutilon'  the lovely garden of Myrna Patterson, at 5 Welsh Street Yea.  Hundreds of potted treasures are available at bargain basement prices.