Six New Gardens in 2020
For 2020 the Rotary event, “Mudgee Garden Spectacular” has been re-branded to “Gardens of Mudgee” and will be showing six all-new gardens. Catering will , once again, be provided by the Mudgee CWA Evening Branch.
The Mudgee climate is well known amongst local gardeners for its challenges. Six gardens whose owners have learnt to deal with those difficulties and create gardens of beauty and durability will be open for inspection during the 2020 Rotary Gardens of Mudgee on the weekend of 17th and 18th of October.
The Kemptons’ garden on the slopes of Mt Frome has views north to the Buckaroo hills and is set amongst native trees. Wander around a series of graceful garden plots containing a variety of plants chosen to withstand the vagaries of Mudgee’s climate, and enjoy the charming pool adorned by irises and bulrushes. In sheltered spots around the house you’ll find more tender plants such as orchids, and examples of Trishs’ creativity. Make sure to check out stunning district views from the top of the drive.
Tall Eucalpyts create islands of shade.
John and Wendy Reeves’ garden began in a paddock four years ago and has been created with the intention of following the natural lie of the land. They have kept most of the original eucalyptus trees which provide shade and shelter to the property and created gardens around many of them. A wide expanse of lawn is divided almost in half by a creek whose banks are clothed in yellow gazanias.
Many of the trees have seats installed under them so make sure you take some time to sit and enjoy the Spring sunshine glancing through those wonderful eucalypts.
‘Wisteria Ridge’ the home of Col and Val Stubbs, is a beautiful haven with glorious views over the Cudgegong Valley. The garden was formed from a rocky site eighteen years ago by the addition of tonnes of imported topsoil. The many native shrubs and trees are home to a number of species of birds, and careful planting over a long period of time has resulted in a garden of great interest.
Throughout the garden are scattered Col’s marvellous quirky sculptures fashioned from found farm objects. They add a special touch to this spectacular, much loved garden.
To glimpse up the leafy drive of Pam and David Stewart’s 35 year old garden in Bombira is to step back into the past. The long border is tumbling with old-fashioned plants: geraniums, acanthus, forget-me-nots and bluebells are here in abundance, along with a variety of bulbs.
A magnificent, shapely Chinese elm dominates at the back of the house accompanied by an equally amazing banksia rose hedge.
You’ll be entranced by the gorgeous roses dotted about the garden beds.
An abundance of established trees helps to create a sheltered garden, one that is less subject to the vagaries of the Mudgee climate: dappled, scented and floriferous.
When the Bowmans purchased their property ‘Bowfield’ five years ago, there was a small number of established trees around the original nineteenth century buildings but no garden. A spectacular garden has been accomplished in a short space of time by using tonnes of compost and a great deal of mulch spread on top of the rocky site.
The garden has been planned with tree plantings and hedges to provide shelter from the western sun and prevailing wind and there has been an emphasis on the addition of hardy Mediterranean style shrubs. Taller plants within the garden beds create spaces for roses or other plants that might need some protection.
There is so much to see in this garden you might need some extra time!
A traditional homestead garden.
Steph and Rick Gordon’s 1920s house at ‘Wilgowrah’ is surrounded by a homestead garden which has been many years in the making as its mature trees indicate. A ramble along the old paths reveals borders bursting with perennials and bulbs, accompanied by a variety of mature roses.
Follow the paths around to the north side of the house to discover an open grassy area full of sunshine, boasting views of farmland and planted with stands of silver elegant birches.
You’ll be amazed at the single Virginia creeper which grows along two sides of the house, providing summer shade.
More details can be found here.
“Gardens of Mudgee” will be run on the weekend of 17-18th October 2020.