As part of Open Gardens Victoria’s 10th anniversary, Red Gums (an immersive six-acre native garden on the Bellarine Peninsula)will open to the public. Designed by Sam Cox, it reflects the legacy of Australian naturalistic gardening, with basalt rock, shaped earth, and over 150 native species. Originally opened in 2018, it exemplifies how gardens evolve over time. Owners Winsome and Ron Vernieux collaborated with Cox to create a serene, low-maintenance space that complements the site’s ancient red gums and supports native wildlife. Protected under a Trust for Nature covenant since 2019, Red Gums also features a wine cellar and Castlemaine slate paths.