Australia's Open Garden Scheme

Welcome to Australia's Open Garden Scheme. Can you imagine surrounding yourself in a world of harmonious colour and peaceful tranquility far from the pressures of everyday life? Masterpieces of horticultural creativity await your pleasure when you visit some the beautiful gardens on display as part of the Australia's Open Garden Scheme.

In South Australia, 75 gardens open each year from early Spring to late Autumn. South Australian's enjoy a Mediterranean climate with long dry summers and mild wet winters but the landscape and soil conditions vary widely across the state so our gardeners have used imagination and ingenuity when dealing with the many challenges posed by their particular region. The diversity of conditions are reflected in the gardens selected for opening. They range in style from formal city gardens to country gardens, small designed courtyards, romantic rose collections, bush gardens and magnificent heritage gardens. There are also productive vegetable gardens, herb collections and organic farms for those who like to eat what they grow.

What is Australia's Open Garden Scheme?

AOGS Ltd is a non-profit organisation founded in 1987 with a mission to promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardening across Australia. This is achieved through opening Australia's most inspiring private gardens where the garden owners themselves can share their skills and knowledge with the public. The scheme embraces gardens from the broadest possible range of communites and districts. Each season more than 750 gardens are open right across Australia. Visiting gardens under the Scheme is one of the most inexpensive and rewarding experiences the whole family can enjoy. Entry fees range from $ 3.50 to $ 5.00 per adult and children accompanied by an adult are admitted FREE. Visitors can often enjoy a variety of home made teas and lunches provided by local charities in the wonderful garden settings. Details of garden openings can be heard on ABC metropolitan and regional radio stations throughout Australia. The Australian Open Garden Scheme Guidebook is available from all ABC Shops and most good bookstores and newsagents.

For weekly updates on the openings ring 1900 155 064 or check out our website at http://www.abc.net.au/5an.