BERWICK STAR NEWS
Home » Local retreat

Local retreat

Open Gardens Victoria is introducing its new private garden filled with colourful native plants and a flowing creek that also offers a 360- degree view from the highest point of Narre Warren East.

Perfect for a picturesque morning or afternoon and restoring a connection with nature, the garden, named Nakari, lies within a 21-acre property designed by Phillip Johnson in acknowledgment and preservation of the Australian habitat.

Johnson is an award winning landscaper, who most recently took home the trophy for ‘Most Outstanding New Park Project’ for his work at the Chelsea Australian Garden Olinda and in 2013 was the first Australian to win the Gold medal and Best in Show at the Royal Horticultural Society London Chelsea Flower Show.

The landscaper is now internationally recognised but ideas are still climate-focused and based in “habitat driven designs”.

His esteemed work across Australia works to exude the principles of biodiversity and aims to encompass the feelings of being at a retreat while instilling a sense of belonging to the land.

“Nature has inspired me since I was a kid, and with Nakari, we wanted to channel that wonder into a garden that feels wild, functional, and truly Australian, but focused on the immediate threat of climate change,” says Johnson.

Johnson created the sanctuary as a sustainable garden, with the capabilities of being enjoyed for years to come and will facilitate guided tours about his ideas throughout the open day.

“It’s a space designed to harvest water, nurture wildlife, and evolve with the seasons. But most of all, to help people fall back in love with nature.”

Nakari, on 470 Berwick Road Narre Warren East VIC 3804, will be open to the public on Saturday 22 November and Sunday 23 November, from 10am to 4:30pm.

Tickets are available on opengardensvictoria.org.au

Digital Editions


  • Council creeps toward tree-canopy target

    Council creeps toward tree-canopy target

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 425644 A Greater Dandenong Council audit has shown a stagnation in canopy coverage across the municipality, but still on…

More News

  • South East hotspots for high-tech car thieves

    South East hotspots for high-tech car thieves

    Dandenong, Berwick and Narre Warren are among the suburban hotspots for vehicle thefts using key-cloning devices, according to Victoria Police. Car theft has escalated in recent years in Victoria, coinciding…

  • Partnerships for manufacturing future

    Partnerships for manufacturing future

    The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance has joined forces to inspire the next generation of manufacturers in secure and reliable employment. The partnership with Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning…

  • Bittersweet celebrations of IWD

    Bittersweet celebrations of IWD

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 362841 Wellspring for Women opt for a delayed celebration of International Women’s Day to combine Eid ul Fitr and Holi celebrations at the end…

  • Free fun at Keysborough’s Big Picnic

    Free fun at Keysborough’s Big Picnic

    Pets and ground rugs are going to pack out Wachter Reserve for Keysborough’s Big Picnic. The park party has an expanded program of activities, performers, dog flyball antics, animal display…

  • Massaging the message: parlour makes changes after community concerns

    Massaging the message: parlour makes changes after community concerns

    VIP Massage has covered over its website address and a QR code link at its soon-to-open Dandenong shopfront after growing community concerns. The changes were visible on Tuesday morning (10…

  • Club honours donor legacy

    Club honours donor legacy

    A revived community group in Casey has celebrated its official inauguration, honouring the legacy of a local organ donor. The Smart Club of Melbourne Inc. held its inauguration ceremony on…

  • Taha group pleas for $676K grant restoration

    Taha group pleas for $676K grant restoration

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 520666 The Dandenong-based Taha Association Centre is calling for the restoration of its $670,000 grant, which was cancelled by the Federal Government after the…

  • Dandenong volunteer with ‘impact’

    Dandenong volunteer with ‘impact’

    A Dandenong woman has been recognised for her 18 years of volunteering to help migrants and refugees settling in Australia. Khadija Karimi is one of five women from multicultural communities…

  • Casey council opens naming consultation for new Clyde North facilities

    Casey council opens naming consultation for new Clyde North facilities

    The Casey Council is opening up their consultation period for the naming of a reserve and community centre in Clyde North. With the recreation reserve in Springleaf Avenue currently undergoing…

  • Multicultural funding: When support crosses the line

    Multicultural funding: When support crosses the line

    The Dandenong-based Taha Group funding controversy has forced Australia to confront an uncomfortable question. Should taxpayer money be funding religious or culturally-exclusive organisations at all? Because once government money enters…