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Located on the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, an extraordinary native garden will open its doors to the public for the very first time later this month as part of Open Gardens Victoria.
Nakari is an immersive, four-acre garden that sits atop the highest point of Narre Warren East, offering sweeping 360-degree views.
The 21-acre site, once owned by former deputy Prime Minister Dr Jim Cairns, is now a family home for owners Rex and Elaine, who engaged award-winning landscape designer Phillip Johnson to undertake a bold makeover of the property — clearing much of the original land for a fresh start.
Just four years later, what began as sloping paddocks, and a leaking dam has been transformed into a thriving climate-specific garden that champions best environmental practices.
A creek now flows through the property, feeding a billabong, naturalistic waterfall, and restored dam.
Large dolomite boulders from Mansfield Quarry anchor the space, while vibrant native flora attracts pollinators and birds, and frogs call through spring and summer.
Rex and Elaine have planted 6500 native trees across the broader property, creating windbreaks and wildlife corridors that will support the landscape for generations to come. And there’s even a playground for the couple’s grandchildren — it’s one of those special gardens where there really is something for everyone.
‘It’s a space designed to harvest water, nurture wildlife, and evolve with the seasons — but most of all, to help people fall back in love with nature,’ Phillip says.
Visitors are invited to experience this inspiring private sanctuary for one weekend only, from November 22.
Join Phillip Johnson for a guided tour, and shop from local businesses like Vaughans Native Nursery and Speciality Trees who will also be on-site with special displays.
