West Melbourne and Beyond

Forest Glade Gardens Macedon

Forest Glade Gardens in Macedon is a captivating treasure trove of horticultural diversity, an enchanting blend of English tradition and Australian charm. As you wander through the myriad pathways, each twist and turn presents a new tableau of botanical wonder that is both meticulously curated and wildly spontaneous.

The garden spans across an impressive 14 acres, with its history deeply rooted in the rich volcanic soil of the Macedon Ranges. The care and passion poured into the land by its creators and caretakers are palpable. Visiting in different seasons offers varied experiences; in spring, the gardens are a symphony of color with rhododendrons, daffodils, and azaleas in full bloom, while autumn cloaks the landscape in fiery hues of reds, oranges, and golds.

One of the most striking features of Forest Glade Gardens is its seamless blend of different garden styles. The Japanese section, with its serene ponds and manicured bonsai, transports you to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto.

Meanwhile, the fern gully immerses you in a prehistoric wonderland, where the sun trickles through towering tree ferns, and the air is alive with the sound of running water.

The owners and gardeners have achieved a beautiful balance between formal and informal spaces. The central parts of the garden boast well-manicured lawns and hedges, surrounding by flower beds bursting with a riot of colors and textures.

In contrast, the outer areas of the garden invite a sense of adventure and discovery, with native bushland providing habitat for an array of local wildlife.

Accessibility is well considered, with the main paths being well maintained and navigable for most. However, those with mobility issues may find some areas challenging, as the natural terrain and garden design include slopes and stairs.

Some of the best things about Forest Glade Gardens

Diverse Garden Styles: One of the most enchanting aspects of Forest Glade Gardens is the range of garden styles on display. From the formality of the English-inspired sections to the tranquility of the Japanese garden, visitors can enjoy a world tour of horticultural practices in one visit.
Seasonal Beauty: Regardless of when you visit, Forest Glade Gardens offers a seasonal spectacle. In spring, the flowers are in full bloom; summer brings lush greenery; autumn showcases a stunning array of warm colors; and even in winter, the stark beauty of the garden’s structure has its charm.
Expansive Collection of Plants: The gardens host an extensive collection of plants, including rare species and stunning seasonal displays of annuals and perennials. For those interested in horticulture, it’s a living encyclopedia of plants from around the world.
Photographic Opportunities: With its array of colors, textures, and landscapes, the garden is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re capturing the macro details of a flower or the wide vistas of autumnal trees, there’s no shortage of beautiful subjects.
Wildlife and Natural Features: The gardens are not just about plants; they also incorporate the natural landscape and local wildlife. The fern gully, for example, is a cooler microclimate that offers a contrast to the open lawns and showcases the area's native flora and fauna.
Picnic Areas: Scattered throughout the gardens are various spots perfect for a picnic. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.
Accessibility and Intimacy: Despite its size, the garden retains an intimate feel. While there are some areas with challenging terrain, the main paths are accessible for most visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty on offer.

History of Forest Glade Gardens

The history of Forest Glade dates back to the early 20th century. The property was acquired in 1916 by Cyril Stokes, a businessman from Melbourne, who established the garden. It has been developed over the years by four generations of the Stokes family. The garden has benefited greatly from this long-term vision and continuous care, allowing for the establishment of mature trees and the development of a diverse range of garden areas.

Cyril Stokes was passionate about plants and collected species from around the world, which has led to the rich collection the garden boasts today. After Cyril's passing, his son Val Stokes took over, and subsequently, Val's nephew, Warwick Stokes, continued to develop and maintain the gardens with great dedication. Each generation has left its mark, adding to the richness and diversity of the plantings.

The garden itself is set on the slopes of Mount Macedon, an area that is renowned for its rich volcanic soil, cool climate, and occasional snowfall, creating a unique microclimate that is well-suited to a wide range of temperate plants. This location has allowed many non-native plants to thrive, including those from North America, Europe, and Asia, creating a truly international collection.

The layout of Forest Glade reflects the influence of English landscape design, a style that was popular among the wealthy classes in Australia during the early 20th century. However, as you move through the gardens, it's clear that personal taste and an experimental spirit have played a large role in their evolution.

Despite its reputation and significance, Forest Glade Gardens remains privately owned and operated, which means it has never become a commercialized public garden. This has allowed the gardens to retain a personal, intimate feel that commercial gardens often lose. The owners have opened the garden to the public, allowing visitors to share in the beauty of their family's horticultural legacy.

The history of Forest Glade Gardens is not just about the plants and landscape; it's also the story of a family's commitment to beauty, conservation, and the local community. The ongoing care and passion for the gardens ensure that they will continue to be a living piece of history for future generations to enjoy.

Sculptures

Forest Glade Gardens in Macedon not only showcases an exquisite array of plant life but is also home to a collection of sculptures that add a layer of cultural and artistic charm to the natural beauty of the gardens. There is a myriad of sculptures spread throughout the gardens. This offers you lots of potential for selfies with the sculptures or simply by themselves. You can of course enjoy them as pure works of art and even ponder the meaning of some of them.

These sculptures vary in style and material, ranging from classical to contemporary pieces, and they are strategically placed to enhance the garden experience. Marble statues may evoke a sense of the neoclassical amid the English garden sections, while other sculptures could be of different mediums such as stone, metal, or wood, providing a diverse visual texture that complements the surrounding flora.

The sculptures are positioned to take advantage of the garden's vistas and hidden niches, offering surprises around corners or at the end of allées. Some pieces are meant to harmonize with the landscape, perhaps depicting subjects from nature or abstract forms that resonate with the shapes and movements found in the garden.

The presence of sculptures also encourages visitors to slow down and contemplate the intersection of art and nature. They serve as focal points, drawing the eye and often encouraging a moment of reflection or a deeper appreciation of the surrounding plants and landscapes. They can also provide a historical or cultural context, adding depth to the visitor's experience.

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm — *Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.*

Location

The Forest Glade Gardens in Macedon is located at 816 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon VIC 3441 is less than 1 hour from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne CBD.

When

Forest Glade Gardens, Macedon is open every day of the year from 10AM. Last entry 4:30pm.

Fees

Adult entry is $10. Children 16 and under, and disabled visitors and their carers admitted free.

In A Nutshell

For those looking to immerse themselves in horticultural splendor, find inspiration for their own gardens, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by natural beauty, Forest Glade Gardens in Macedon is an excellent choice. It’s a place that truly celebrates the art of gardening and the serenity of the natural world.

For those who love gardens, particularly highly decorative, picturesque and something you imagine out of a period piece English movie then Forest Glade Gardens in Macedon is highly recommended. We loved it!

Tips

Insider tips:

Bring your own toilet paper just in case especially if you have children.
Bring your own picnic basket or food to treat yourself and enjoy the picnic areas.
Be aware that if you walk to the bottom of the gardens you may want to take it easy if you have poor knees or alternatively bring your own walking poles (just in case).
Be aware that on public holidays that you will probably require a bit of patience to find a carpark. It's just reality folks.