We’re all quite familiar with our local green spaces (the Royal Botanic Gardens has been recognized as the fourth best in the world, after all), but it’s time to venture a bit further. Yes, that means leaving your Eddy Gardens comfort zone.

Fortunately, there are many parks and gardens in Melbourne that are somewhat off the beaten track – and we’ve uncovered them just for you. Here you’ll discover lush green spaces dedicated to Australian natives, exquisite ferns, and some less-common plants like cacti, rhododendrons, tulips, and lotuses. Ready to reconnect with nature, do some grounding, and enjoy the fragrance of sweet blooms? Let’s go.

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