Why not journey to the Australian Open Gardens Scheme event at Lubra Bend Homestead in Yarra Glen this weekend?

Just in time for the first weekend of spring, the mature gardens, which wrap around an early 1960s Guildford Bell-designed house, are looking their best.

Thousands of nodding daffodils and jonquils poke out from under oak trees, and an old cypress hedge frames a landscape of predominantly Australian native garden.

Designed for low water use, this garden is lush. Water is harvested from the roof of the house used to fill a pool that cascades into a wetland, river and wetlands area below.

Visitors can also visit a flourishing vegetable plot and small orchard, and enjoy refreshments served on the croquet lawns while taking in the views.

■ Lubra Bend is open from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry $7; children under 18 free.