Garden Design Fest provides an opportunity for garden lovers to take a stickybeak around private outdoor spaces designed by some of Australia’s most talented designers. This weekend, 30 gardens across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula will be open for viewing.

Here are a few standouts that we think are worth visiting.

1. Eckersley Garden Architecture – Musk Cottage

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Garden Design Fest – Rick Eckersley & Myles Broad ‘Musk Cottage’ garden

This may be the last opportunity to visit landscape designer Rick Eckersley’s Flinders property before a change of ownership. Designed by Rick and his team at Eckersley Garden Architecture, Musk Cottage is a sprawling garden that is a ‘multicultural melting pot’ with various destinations to explore.

For more about this garden, click here

Location: 371 Musk Creek Rd Flinders

Access: Limited wheelchair access

Entry Fee: $12

2. Nathan Burkett – Dromana Garden

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Garden Design Fest – Nathan Burkett’s Dromana Garden

It’s difficult not to be distracted by the stunning water views, however, look closely at the garden and you’ll see a celebration of diverse coastal plants and organic forms. A highlight of this garden designed by Nathan Burkett is the curvaceous timber boardwalk that weaves throughout the foliage and allows you to take in the impressive aspect.

For more about this garden, click here

Location: 6 Foord Lane Dromana

Access: No wheelchair access

Entry Fee: $8

3. Rick Molino – Malvern Garden

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Garden Design Fest – Rick Molino’s Malvern

Rick Molino’s Malvern garden is a great example of a low-maintenance, yet visually inspiring, suburban garden that pays homage to the Edwardian architecture. The complex planting scheme creates an enchanting feel from the streetscape to the rear garden.

For more about this garden, click here

Location: 6 Lysterville Av. Malvern

Access: Limited wheelchair access

Entry Fee: $8

4. Scott Leung – Canterbury

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Garden Design Fest – Scott Leung’s Canterbury Garden

It’s hard to believe this lush family garden designed by Scott Leung of Eckersley Garden Architecture is just two years old. The relaxed setting is greatly attributed to the textured foliage and the rambling groundcovers that surround a deep, grey pool in the rear garden.

For more about this garden, click here

Location: 161 Mont Albert Rd. Canterbury

Access: No wheelchair access

Entry Fee: $8

For a full list of gardens open this weekend, visit the Garden Design Fest website.