News

Exploring Casely: A Botanical Paradise in Upper Beaconsfield

If there’s one thing Peter Sheppard cherishes as much as shoes, it’s his passion for gardening. For over 20 years, he has devoted countless hours to transforming his country property in Upper Beaconsfield into a botanical wonderland, and this weekend, he’s excited to open his gates to the public in collaboration with Open Gardens Victoria. Visitors are invited to experience the stunning views that have brought him so much joy over the years.

Peter Sheppard's Garden

Peter explains,

‘As I travelled the world attending shoe fairs, I always took the opportunity to explore each country's diverse fauna and flora. Casely embodies everything I’ve seen and learned along the way.'

Casely is an 18-acre estate at the foothills of the majestic Dandenong Ranges. It has been the location for many of the Peter Sheppard Footwear photo shoots because of the magnificent and ever changing light that radiates at different times of the day.

This beautifully diverse garden is composed of three distinct ‘rooms’, each offering unique perspectives of the lush landscape.

Peter Sheppard - Tranquillity in the Japanese Garden
Peter Sheppard - Tranquillity in the Japanese Garden
Peter Sheppard - The Succulent Sanctuary

The Succulent Sanctuary

The first room is a breathtaking 2,000-square-meter succulent garden brimming with various agaves, aeonium, sedum, echeveria, and cacti. This ever-evolving garden is continuously in bloom, making it the ultimate low-maintenance haven. Local birdlife frequently visits it.

Peter Sheppard - English inspired garden

Tranquillity in the Japanese Garden

Next, you’ll find the serene Japanese garden on a steep slope. It features an array of striking trees, like black pine and Japanese maples, and charming plants, such as junipers and cherries. A tranquil waterfall flows into a picturesque pond, where visitors can listen to frogs serenading the serene atmosphere, all under the watchful eye of a stunning Japanese pagoda.

Peter Sheppard -Japanese inspired garden

The Elegance of the Conservatory Garden

Finally, the conservatory garden exemplifies classic English design with straight lines, trimmed hedges, and geometric beds. Crafted with the expertise of award-winning designer Carolyn Blackman from Vivid Design, it showcases tall hedging plants (Viburnum odoratissimum) framing its borders.

A stunning conservatory, imported from Ireland after receiving honours at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, now serves as a beautiful focal point. Its appeal is heightened by catalpas, crepe myrtles, and cherished traditional plants such as Buxus, lavender, and various beloved cottage favourites.

Peter Sheppard - Wildlife

A Haven for Wildlife

Casely is a haven for native wildlife. Wallabies, echidnas, wombats, blue-tongued lizards, and resident lyrebirds live in this enchanting garden and are fiercely protected by Mr Sheppard and those who work on the property.

Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking for an enjoyable activity this weekend, this is an experience you won't want to miss. You’re invited to join the visit, so come and immerse yourself in the botanical beauty of Casely.

View Event

Peter Sheppard - Tranquillity in the Japanese Garden
Peter Sheppard - Tranquillity in the Japanese Garden

Related Articles

Read All Articles
Read All Articles