In A Hidden Valley
Address: “Bowfield”, 1788 Castlereagh Hwy, Mudgee, NSW
Author: Jane Ivers
Upon arrival at ‘Bowfield’, the home and garden of Tamara and Andrew Bowman, you will be greeted by an impressive rock wall built by Andrew from rocks excavated during the flattening of the site five years ago. Prostrate rosemary softens the wall and helps to create a welcoming entry to a garden full of surprises and unusual plants, the result of meticulous planning to allow for relief from the western sun and to provide passive cooling for the house.
Tonnes of compost topped with mulch have been added to the garden beds with spectacular results. The emphasis here, as is the case with many Mudgee gardeners, is on plants that can withstand extremes of heat and cold, and borders are planted with euphorbias, phlomis, swaying grasses, miscanthus , irises and bulbs. Plantswoman Tamara admits to a love of buddlejas, and there are many examples of these to be found in the garden including buddleja ‘Crispa’ with its huge felty leaves. There are roses too, carefully placed amongst the shrubs, creating soft pools of colour and added interest.
At the back of the house is an impressive bank covered with Mediterranean style plants: lavender and rosemary, spiky artichoke to add textural interest and an intriguing collection of grey-leafed plants well known for their ability to deal with drought. Slightly further afield is a productive irrigated vegetable garden with circular beds planted with brassicas, leafy salad vegetables and herbs.
Several orchards surround the house. There is an apple orchard, a nuttery and an orchard containing a wonderful collection of fruits such as pistachio, tangelo, lemon, pomegranate, persimmon, cherries, apricots and plums. Wind breaks and hedges of Simonii poplars and rosa rugosa, have been planted particularly on the western side of the garden, and a wonderful ornamental grape across the front of the house creates shelter from the summer sun, losing its leaves in time to let in the winter sunlight.
Mention must be made of the original buildings. There are three, two of which are built of local stone, dating from the late nineteenth century and they have been incorporated into the new building with care and sensitivity.
Take time as you wander to enjoy the aspect of this property nestled within its semi-circle of grassy hills which create a natural amphitheatre.
