What is Open Gardens?
It is a not for profit organisation, a team of enthusiastic volunteers run a program of opening private gardens to the public. The team supports the garden owner to assist with planning, help at the garden gate welcoming visitors and organise the publicity for the event.
Each garden has something very special to offer visitors, whether they are experienced gardeners or novices. Visiting Open Gardens is also a special way to catch up with friends or family, by meeting up and sharing a cup of tea and cake surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Entrance fees for gardens are usually $8 with members paying a discounted fee of $6, the cost is displayed on our website and at the garden gate. It is less if several gardens are opening as a group and occasionally a very special garden will have a higher entrance fee.
Children under the age of 18 enjoy free entry, to encourage families to come along and enjoy gardens.
Open Gardens WA is a non-profit Association and receives a portion of the entry fee to cover organisational costs. Garden owners keep their portion of the entry fee and many choose to donate all or part of the fee to their chosen charity. The entry fees are divided equally between Open Gardens West Coast and the owners.
To return the goodwill of owners who open their gardens to the public, we ask visitors to observe the following courtesies:
Open Days: Gardens are only open to the public on the dates specified.
Privacy: Remember that you are visiting private property so please do not enter the house unless invited.
Social Media: Please do not post on social media either photos that identify the home or any other identifying details (such as the address).
Photography: Please check that the owner is happy for you to photograph the garden before doing so.Photographs taken in the garden cannot be used for commercial purposes without prior permission of the garden owner.
Etiquette in the garden: Please do not remove any part of any plant from the garden. To identify a plant, take the person to the plant, not the plant to the person. Keep to paths to avoid trampling on plants.
Children: Children are welcome at open gardens, with adult supervision. Please take care if there are water features or other risks for children, and ensure that your children’s presence is not disruptive for other visitors.
Dogs: Dogs (except Guide dogs) are not permitted in the gardens unless stated.
Car Parking: Please respect the neighbours and avoid parking on verges, across driveways or where your car will damage plants.
Opening your own garden starts with a visit from one of our selectors. The selector will explain in more detail how Open Gardens can assist you, what you will need to do to be ready. Our comprehensive Garden Owners information kit is available under the Resources tab on this website.
While all our Open Gardens have to be a good standard, they can be any size or style. Smaller gardens may be grouped with other small gardens in the area which can be opened on the same dates. You may wish to add other activities to add to the visitors’ enjoyment.
Open Gardens West Coast can help you get ready for opening your garden, and provide you with help on the day. Your selector will give you advice and support, and Open Gardens West Coast provides:
- Insurance
- Publicity
- Signage
- Guidelines and instructions
- Helpers at the gate
- Catering by arrangement
- Shire Approvals
The entrance fees from your Open Garden are split equally between you and Open Gardens West Coast. These fees help us pay for insurance, website and other running costs.
When possible we will schedule your opening for your nominated days, however during peak visiting season, we may not be able to do so. Your selector will discuss alternative dates with you if this arises.
If you are interested in finding out more about opening your garden, please click here to give us your details.
Open Gardens West Coast connects garden owners and visitors by providing a program of open gardens and other garden-related events throughout the year.
We provide insurance, guidance, information and support to garden owners. Open Gardens West Coast can also provide volunteers to help on the entrance gate, and can provide catering by arrangement.
For members, we plan Members Only events, and e-newsletters as well as opportunities for members to volunteer, contribute to the website and share information.