Open Gardens Victoria - Crome Garden

About this event

Located on the outskirts of Kallista in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, Crome Garden is the home of artist Prue Crome. Developed over 11 years, this is a plant-rich, evolving garden shaped by its natural setting, generous rainfall and surrounding temperate rainforest. The garden unfolds across three distinct areas: the house garden, hillside garden and the much-loved gully garden.

Spring is a spectacular time to visit, with an impressive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils, tulips and other woodland plants creating layers of colour and texture.

The house garden is designed around mature trees planted in the 1980s, including magnificent copper beeches, which provide structure and a variety of habitats throughout the garden. Shaded areas feature woodland plantings, while sunnier, drier spaces showcase a mix of perennials and Australian natives. Thoughtful details including Japanese maples, rocks, winding sawdust paths and a graceful wisteria arch invite exploration and closer appreciation of the garden's many textures and forms.

For the more adventurous visitor, the hillside garden offers a mix of established plantings set amongst the natural slope of the property. The gully is a favourite retreat, where a natural spring flows beneath towering tree ferns, creating a tranquil rainforest atmosphere. Prue's atmospheric colour field paintings will be available for purchase during the opening.