Open Day - Bickleigh Vale Village, October 2024


There's a fabulous chance to view eight of the gardens at Edna Walling's Bickleigh Vale Village through the Open Gardens Victoria scheme. These opportunities do not come very often and literally thousands of people head to Mooroolbark to attend - which is why this year arrival times are being monitored to reduce footprint stress on the gardens (and daresay their owners!). You'll need to purchase your tickets well before the day. Bookings are limited so I suggest doing it right now! Here's the link, or if you don't trust links, search the Open Gardens Victoria website for what's on in October 2024. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1252401 

Here's some info from the Open Gardens Victoria website to get you started:

We are thrilled to be opening eight gardens in Bickleigh Vale Village in Mooroolbark on October 12 and 13, in partnership with the Friends of Edna Walling at Bickleigh Vale Village. In the 1920s Edna Walling created an enchanted village for herself and her friends at Bickleigh Vale, and this special quality continues to influence succeeding owners as they work to keep the vision of her achievement alive for future generations.

As we celebrate the legacy of Edna Walling’s century of influence, we invite you to visit Badgers Wood, Devon Cottage, Downderry, Lynton Lee, Mistover, Sonningfield, The Barn and Whistlewood, showcasing how past and present have been melded together in this unique community.

Entry to Bickleigh Vale Village will be via timed-entry tickets. Please select your preferred timeslot from the options available. You will receive an email closer to the opening date with a link to the garden notes for this opening.
Saturday 12 October 2024 - Sunday 13 October 2024 (UTC+10)

Location

Bickleigh Vale Village
​Bickleigh Vale Road, (off Pembroke Road), Mooroolbark VICTORIA 3138

Additional information

Please take note of the parking and access information below:

  • To manage numbers, parking and foot traffic, we have timed entry tickets available for purchase via TryBooking, commencing hourly at 10am through to 2pm. There will be limited tickets available to purchase on the day. 
  • Limited parking will be available in the streets near to Bickleigh Vale Road and at Mooroolbark Heights Reserve (800m). For convenience there will be a drop off point at the corner of Bickleigh Vale Road and Pembroke Road for those with mobility concerns. 
  • The nearest station, Mooroolbark Station, is 2km away. There is ample parking at the station or you may catch a train and walk to Bickleigh Vale in the footsteps of Edna Walling.
  • Ambience is maintained in Bickleigh Vale with unsealed roads and stone and gravel pathways. Please take note and wear comfortable garden footwear for your visit. Access to more than 50% of the gardens can be achieved from a wheelchair.
  • Digital garden notes will be available via QR code at the entry to Bickleigh Vale, at each garden and can be downloaded for viewing or printing via the link which will also be sent to you when you book via TryBooking.
  • There will be several talks from garden owners over the weekend. Check our website for the schedule closer to the opening date.  

  • photos of Bickleigh Vale by Brett Horan

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