Leura Gardens Festival in October throws open the gates of 10 beautiful spring gardens

This year's festival, the 55th, will feature 10 beautiful spring gardens all for the price of $30 per person, or $8 each.

A feast of new growth will be on display, with masses of flowers, gorgeous bulbs and an amazing variety of cold-climate plants, including deciduous trees just coming into their full glory.

With gardens at their very best in spring, the festival has always been a magnet for visitors looking not only to enjoy the beauty on show, but also seeking inspiration for their own blessed plot.

A wide range of garden types will be open, from the large and elaborate Everglades and The Braes to intimate smaller gardens, such as St Annes and Hill of Grace.

The Braes is returning after a break and offers an extensive display of trees and shrubs, some nearly a century old, and a rich diversity of perennials and annuals. Also, a rose garden has been established as well as an orchard with more than 20 varieties of fruit and nut trees and thousands of bulbs.

Visitors to the festival can also enjoy the Music in the Gardens program, this year with new and returning artists. Entry will be by way of a donation for the performances held daily from 1pm in the beautiful grounds of Nesuto Leura Gardens.

Also of interest is the art show presented by the Society of Mountain Artists and featuring work created in the gardens, plus the not-to-be-missed Festival Plant Sales Centre, which this year will offer an even greater range of plants and garden accessories. Both will be open for nine days from October 5.

The festival will take place for six days over two long weekends, October 5-7 and October 11-13, and be open 9.30am-4.30pm each day.

For more information, visit leuragardensfestival.com.au or call 0431-095-279.