DAY 1  SAT 21 MARCH

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Our Virgin Australia group flight departs from Sydney or meet your Ross Tour Leader at Melbourne Airport. Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne for a guided tour through this green city oasis. More than 8,500 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes and majestic trees. This afternoon check into your luxury hotel, the Marriott, perfectly placed in the heart of Melbourne. Welcome dinner included tonight in your hotel.

Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 2  SUN 22 MARCH

COOMBE ESTATE & CLOUDEHILL

We are heading up the Yarra Valley this morning to learn about the power of perennials and grasses at Antique Perennials in Kinglake. Lunch will be waiting when we arrive at Dame Nellie Melba’s Coombe Estate, where her garden has been lovingly restored.

Afternoon visit to Cloudehill, one of Australia’s finest gardens in the Dandenong Ranges, where Jeremy Francis has created his ‘Arts and Crafts’ Garden from the turn of the last century, that combines formal structure and informal planting within garden ‘rooms’. Cloudehill has 25 gardens altogether, each with its character and season of interest.

Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 3  MON 23 MARCH

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Head down the Mornington Peninsula to Red Hill and Australia’s oldest kitchen garden at Montalto, expanded into an organic vineyard, olive grove and gardens. Lunch at their superb ‘paddock to plate’ restaurant. Spend the afternoon with Jo Ferguson in her “dreamy, whimsical fantasy grassland”, an astonishing and abundant garden with an eclectic mix of flowering perennials, endemic grasses, native shrubs and succulents.

Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 4  TUE 24 MARCH

CERES HOMESTEAD

David Glenn’s Lambley is world-renowned as a benchmark in sustainable gardening. David will explain all aspects of this complex suite of gardens as he leads us through his masterpiece. Perennials will be in full flower at this time; dreamy, romantic and tough. A treat today at Ceres Homestead with our host, Jane Charles who has restored this beautiful old property to its glory days.

Built in 1864 by Thomas Bath, the first licensee on the Ballarat goldfields and famously embellished for the visit in 1867 by Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. Jane will show us her  magnificent home, refurbished outbuildings and her garden. And she will host us at a long table luncheon.

Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 5  WED 25 MARCH

MELBOURNE FLOWER SHOW

Spend a full day exploring the famous Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), which is staged within the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens. MIFGS is ranked in the top five flower shows in the world and is a “must see” event. Breathtaking floral displays, spectacular Show Gardens plus avenues of specialist growers and garden suppliers where you can buy everything from bulbs and plants to tools and trinkets. Be inspired by the designs, discover new plants and take home great ideas for your own gardens.

Farewell Dinner this evening in your hotel.

Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 6  THU 26 MARCH

RIPPON LEA ESTATE

This morning a guided house and garden tour at heritage listed Rippon Lea Estate. Built in 1868 for Frederick Sargood, the mansion is managed by the National Trust. Wander through the fernery, pool and terrace, orchard, lake and boathouse, coach house, rose garden and archery lawn to gain an insight into true Victorian splendour. Transfer to Melbourne Airport for homeward flight.