The first garden was about an hour’s drive from Lorne at Agistment Park, 125 McCormacks Road , Gnarwarre. Owner Julie has a large country garden with lots of perennial plants that survive on rainfall or tank water.

Our second garden was nearby at Cottage Farm Nursery, 1985 Barrabool Road, Gnarwarre. We enjoyed lunch with a great view across the garden to Mount Moria. The nursery had an interesting collection of perennial plants for sale.

After lunch we went to Illalangi Farm (House on the Hill), 90 Ballanclea Road, Barrabool. Current owner is Leesa Cowan. The house is a modern design with a large shade roof built over the whole house and back garden area, featuring Virginia creeper hanging down. The house faces north and has marvellous views over Barrabool to the You Yangs in the distant background.