Spring is in full riot at Barb and Pete's garden at 283 Keys Road, where a collection of mostly old roses grace the country garden overlooking a picturesque lake and Western Port.

Flowering annuals and herbs such as poppies, geraniums, catmint and forget-me-nots star among drought-tolerant annuals and perennials.

An avenue of claret ashes, now at their seasonal best, bisects a broad lawn and even the vegie garden, with heritage varieties of sweetpeas, is teeming with flowers and sweet scents.

Nearby Villa Lettisier, at 1936 Boneo Road, offers a contrast with its grand, classically inspired garden.

The formal garden, designed by Paul Bangay to complement the Palladian-style house overlooking the sea, is mostly contained within walls, which provide shelter from sea winds.

Immaculately clipped hedges and olive walks define and separate various areas, and strategically placed ornamental species provide elegant contrast.

Old-fashioned and David Austin roses are planted in blocks of colour and the outer garden features herbaceous borders, which are flowering in a mass of pastels and bolder shades.

All proceeds from the open day at Villa Lettisier will go to the CFA, and money raised at Barb and Pete's day will go to Women for Women in Africa, an organisation assisting young women in Kenya.

Both gardens are open as part of Australia's Open Garden Scheme from 10am-4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is $6 for Barb and Pete's and $8 for Villa Lettisier; children free.