Cloudehill

Photos from my recent visit to Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens in Olinda.

As regular readers of the Grapevine will be aware, I have made a few horticultural visits of late, including Gardenworld in Braeside and the National Rhododendron Garden.

The last of these visits was Cloudehill Nursery and Garden in Olinda, which is located in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

The last time I went to Cloudehill was in 1996, so it’s been a while. Being based in the Dandenongs, it is a pleasant drive to get to these gardens which can easily be spotted from the road by the bright green fence and prominent sign.

Unfortunately I have to report that I was made to feel quite unwelcome when I entered the garden on account of the stare I received from one of the staff. When I went in to pay, I got the distinct impression that I was causing some sort of inconvenience as there seemed to be some reluctance to serve me. When the individual noticed I had a tripod in my hand, I was given a ‘look’ and asked to explain my intent for the photos. And that’s $7.50 thank-you.

Once through the gate, I decided to put that episode behind me and enjoy Cloudehill.

From my previous visit I recalled there being long gardens – almost like ‘corridors’ – that were sectioned-off with arched walls. I soon re-discovered these. I have seen images of these gardens almost overflowing with herbaceous perennials but of course I wasn’t going to be a witness to that sort of spectacle in late October. Nevertheless, large pots of flowering tulips and an interesting array of plants still provided a beautiful environment in which to stroll.

I chose to walk these long gardens before exploring the other parts of Cloudehill. True to its name, the site is on a hill and there are some considerable slopes in places. The designers have gone to considerable trouble to ensure that the walks make the most of the available views whilst being comfortable underfoot. A number of terraces offer spectacular views of the site.

Cloudehill has a considerable collection of unusual plants which always impresses me. I was really pleased to see Corydalis flexuosa growing below a conifer. I love the vivid blues of this species’ flowers.

From the long garden, I walked up a level to the vegetable garden, the beds of which were lined with tilted bricks. The vegetables looked lovely in their rows but the vivid purple of the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) that was planted in a long row beside the vegetable gardens was stunning. Of course it was full of bees so there was a faint sound of bees’ wings as I strolled.

From there, I wandered down to some of the lower parts of the garden. There is a particularly nice part of Cloudehill that features a range of sculptures, including this rather unusual garden seat.

The garden seat is located on a terrace that offers excellent views right across the garden.

As one proceeds further down the hill into the lower part of Cloudehill, the canopies of the large trees cast considerable shade over the paths. It is lovely to walk below the arched boughs as the breeze slowly passes through.

At the very bottom of the garden is a sloping hill which was covered in flowering bulbs including bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). Whilst I personally don’t get excited by English-style fields of flowering bulbs, these did look rather nice with the large trees providing a dark backdrop.

From there, I proceeded back up the garden below the tree canopies to the top.

I was quite keen to have a meal whilst at Cloudehill but unfortunately the access from the garden was closed-off which meant that I had to leave the garden before having a meal. Had I been able to access the garden after lunch, I’d have dined there but because I couldn’t, I decided to go into town for lunch instead.

Aside from the garden and restaurant, there is also a modest nursery which stocks a range of species seen growing in the garden.

Whilst the customer service was somewhat disappointing, I enjoyed my visit to Cloudehill and would still recommend a visit to others. I think it would be nice to return in mid-summer to see how the perennials have grown and thus see the garden at its very finest.

Cloudehill is located at 89 Olinda Monbulk Road, Olinda. Adult admission to the garden is $7.50.

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