Garden
The garden at Ridgefield is extraordinary. Designed by noted landscape architect Robert Boyle as a series of discrete ‘spaces’ stepping down the hill. With its mature mix of European, Japanese and Australian native plantings, the garden is a place of beauty, sensory exploration and quiet reflection. Normally hidden from public view, visitors and Pavilion guests have the garden to explore and enjoy at their leisure.
The 'Quadrants' Formal Garden
Featuring a large heritage rose collection, this formal garden is bounded on two sides by grand rose, ornamental grape and wisteria arbours. The garden is alive with vibrant colours and the gentle sound of water. Each quadrant works to a rough colour theme (red, pink, yellow and orange) along with varying textures and a variety of cottage garden plantings.
The 'Thyme Walk' Stairs
A set of stone stairs leading west from the Quadrants Garden, where thyme plants inset into the stones release a lovely scent when stepped on.
The Croquet Lawn
With glimpsed views to the distant Dandenong Ranges, this sweeping green lawn area is used for croquet, weddings, family events and lazy picnics.
The Birch Walk
Hidden behind a high hedge is a shady grove discovered down a narrow, meandering path. Shaded by mature silver birch trees, it offers lovely dappled views across green paddocks to the distant dam.
The Vineyard
A small planting of Merlot is all that remains of the original vineyard established almost 30 years ago. Local wine legend Mac Forbes crafts a remarkable single vineyard wine from the plot. Owners Joanne and Chris are working with Mac on a new Ridgefield-branded wine for 2026.
The Pavilion Gardens
Occupying the highest point on the property, the Pavilion garden features two magnificent ghost gums dating to the time when the property served as the shearing shed for the nearby Brampton Park estate. The newly constructed viewing platform and fire pit offer more beautiful southerly views to the nearby Dandenong Ranges.
The Tuscan Terrace
Overlooking the northern paddocks and vineyard, this large pebbled terrace offers a cool retreat in summer replete with stunning views across to Healesville, the mysterious Warramate Hills and the distant Great Dividing Range.
The Sun Dial Courtyard
Private and enclosed, this peaceful courtyard off the main house features a stunning array of roses, clematis, camellias and hydrangeas. In spring, the scents of honeysuckle, magnolia, gardenia and lilac perfume the air – an early inspiration for the Kolido perfumery range.
The Japanese Garden
Flanking the main building’s impressive stone entry tower is the aptly named Japanese Garden, complete with a selection of mature Japanese maple trees, camellia, azalea and hydrangea plantings. With its south-facing aspect and cooling water feature, this garden is calming and serene, with the scent of roses ever-present.
