27 members and friends visited CRANBOURNE BOTANICAL GARDENS & HERONSWOOD GARDENS in October. The weather was showery and cold on the first day at Cranbourne, but we managed to dodge the really heavy rain in between tour & lunch. We had a tour on the train around the natural bushland of beauty and diversity of Australian landscapes and flora, featuring over 100,000 plants from 1900 plant varieties. The bushland has over 450 indigenous plant species. Completed in Oct 2012 The Australian Garden was transformed from sand mine and scrub to a botanic garden of international standing. The remnant bushland at the gardens is actively managed to control the number of non-indigenous plants and exotic weeds. our guides were very passionate and informative. A light lunch was enjoyed and a lovely gift shop as well. We just got back to the bus and down came the rain. Our bus driver James then ferried us to our accommodation at THE SANDS in Carrum Downs, with dinner and breakfast included, the rooms were top notch and the food yummy. The next morning off to HERONSWOOD GARDENS in Dromana for a very different garden experience. We were met by head gardener Bill to take us around the totally organic vegetable, flowers. trees and perennials. The hills were a challenge but the views out to the sea were spectacular. We had lunch here and of course visited the seed savers shop and plant sales. The beautiful Heronswood homestead was built in 1871 and is in the process of renovation. The weather was cool but no rain. This is where the SEED SAVING is done so unusual or forgotten plants can be saved. Thoroughly enjoyable company and bus driver extraordinaire rounded off the trip nicely.