Autumn arrives in Flemington's gardens

At Flemington, the thrill of world class racing is matched only by the beauty of its iconic gardens. Each season brings a new chapter in the landscape’s evolution, and at the heart of it all is Head of Grounds and Gardens, Mick Ryan, whose passion and vision for the precinct is inspiring. With 16,500 roses already flourishing, Flemington boasts the largest public rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere – but Mick has his sights set even higher. His ambitious strategy will see that number grow to 20,000 roses by 2030, ensuring the racecourse remains a botanical masterpiece and maintains its mantle for years to come.

That vision requires meticulous planning. Eevery rose bud left behind after a spectacular spring has been pruned, allowing the plants to rest before their next spectacular bloom. Mick’s team has precisely timed the rose cycle to ensure peak colour in time for autumn racing at Flemington. With no colour in the beds, patience and expert care delivers a dazzling transformation.

It’s not just the roses getting attention. More than 3,000 hydroponic plants have been replaced in preparation for the upcoming race days, swapping out the petunias of spring for the hardier and more vibrant calibrachoa. This process isn’t left to chance – Mick personally visits the nursery to hand-pick the best varieties, ensuring a balanced mix of colours that will last through to winter. As the cooler months arrive, these will be replaced with pansies, before the cycle begins again with a return to petunias for spring.

The past summer has been particularly challenging, with long stretches of dry heat and minimal rainfall placing extra demands on the team. The roses, in particular, require careful feeding, and with no natural rainfall to help, liquid fertiliser is applied twice a week, supported by extensive hand watering – a massive job but an essential one to keep the blooms at their best.

Beyond the main garden beds, the rose arbour continues to grow and improve, although the weather has not always been kind. The eastern end of the course is more windswept, presenting additional challenges, but Mick’s team is working to strengthen plantings in these exposed areas. The iconic winning post will also undergo a refresh, ensuring it remains as stunning as the racing action in front of it.

With world-class racing set against a backdrop of evolving seasonal beauty, the Flemington gardens remain a source of pride for members and a highlight for all who visit.

When you are at the track, take a moment to wander the grounds, breathe in the fragrance of the roses, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bloom.

The magic of Flemington’s gardens is only growing stronger.