This weekend brings the chance to share their passion, with Wallasey-Beaumaris, south of Beechworth, and Varrich, in nearby Stanley, taking part in Open Gardens Victoria’s autumn program.

Wallasey-Beaumaris dates back to the 1860s and still includes examples of what are presumed to be original plantings.

These include an old French Perry pear, a long-lived variety used for cider, loquat, mulberry and cherry laurel.

Refurbished from 1978, the garden is now tended by Jamie Kronborg and Peter Kenyon, the owners since 2013.

Among recent additions are an orchard of about 40 heritage and newer varieties of apple, quince, pear, peach, cherry and citrus and a simple maze cut into the mixed grasses of the paddock.

Mr Kronborg said the property had taken part in open garden schemes of the late 1980s and likely its history had led Open Gardens Victoria to request it for this year.

The weekend program will also display sculpture, sketches and plants.

Ranging over about a hectare and on the side of a hill, Wallasey-Beaumaris presented a challenge the owners were prepared to take up five years ago.

“It was just the sort of garden we were looking for, I’ve always wanted a garden in a cool climate,” Mr Kronborg said.

“It’s always a bit of fun, we do a bit of it every day just to keep it looking OK and under control.”

Stanley’s rainfall influenced David and Sally McKay’s move to Varrich in 2008.

“We’d been here four months and we were required to evacuate because of the February 2009 bushfires,” Mr McKay said.

“It was heart-in-the-mouth sort of stuff, we thought, crikey, we might lose everything that we’ve got here.”

The experience and Mr McKay’s post-fire volunteer work taught them a great deal about the district.

“How best to prepare the place, because we back onto the state forest,” Mr McKay said.

“I mean it’s beautiful, but it’s a serious threat.”

An extensive irrigation and watering system that made one visitor think of World War I trenches early on has developed into a lush green area while the exotic introduced trees are a highlight.

Varrich is entered through tall eucalypts, leading to a series of lawns planted with rhododendrons, azaleas, maples and camellias.

There will be a display of classic cars, with proceeds from the opening to support the volunteer-run Stanley Community Post Office.