Nestled in the quiet countryside of Moriac, just a short drive from Geelong, lies one of Victoria's best-kept horticultural secrets. Greenfield Garden, a breathtaking 2.5-acre property, represents decades of dedication and passion from its creator, John Greenfield.
The Vision Behind the Garden
What began as a simple family home in 1987 has transformed into an extraordinary botanical journey that captivates every visitor. John Greenfield, the mastermind behind this living masterpiece, has spent over thirty years carefully cultivating and expanding his vision.
The garden officially opened to the public in 2018, allowing others to experience the magic he had created. Unlike many formal gardens, Greenfield Garden feels like a natural landscape that has evolved over centuries rather than decades.
A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
Walking through Greenfield Garden is like traveling across multiple continents and ecosystems. The property features an astonishing variety of environments, each with its own unique character and plant life.
Visitors can wander through lush fern gullies where moisture hangs in the air, then emerge into sun-drenched meadows filled with native Australian plants. The garden includes a tranquil pond area, woodland sections with towering trees, and carefully designed pathways that encourage exploration and discovery.
What makes this garden particularly special is its sense of journey and surprise. Rather than presenting everything at once, the design leads visitors through different "rooms" and landscapes, each revealing itself gradually as you move through the property.
More Than Just a Pretty Space
Greenfield Garden serves multiple purposes beyond mere aesthetics. It functions as an educational resource for gardening enthusiasts, demonstrating what can be achieved with vision and persistence. The garden also provides crucial habitat for local wildlife, including numerous bird species and beneficial insects.
For John Greenfield, the garden represents a lifelong passion project that continues to evolve. The property showcases both native Australian plants and exotic species, all carefully selected to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions.
The garden's design principles emphasize sustainability and working with nature rather than against it. This approach has resulted in a landscape that feels both intentional and completely natural—a difficult balance to achieve.
Planning Your Visit
Greenfield Garden welcomes visitors who want to experience this hidden treasure for themselves. The garden is typically open on specific days or by appointment, allowing for a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
Located in Moriac, approximately 20 minutes from Geelong, the garden makes for a perfect day trip or weekend excursion. Visitors should allow several hours to fully appreciate the property's many features and hidden corners.
The garden demonstrates that you don't need vast resources or professional training to create something extraordinary. With passion, patience, and a clear vision, even a modest property can be transformed into a botanical wonderland.
Greenfield Garden stands as testament to what one person can achieve when they follow their passion for gardening. It's a living work of art that continues to grow and evolve, offering new discoveries with each season and reminding visitors of the beauty that can emerge when humans work in harmony with nature.
