Ingenuity and Creativity
Address: 43 Rocky Waterhole Road, Mudgee, NSW
Author: Jane Ivers
Banks of penstemon, santolina, artemisia and oleander entice the visitor into the garden of Trish and Bill Kempton at Uambi on the slopes of Mt Frome. This garden began its life as a no-dig garden, and many applications of extra soil, mulch and compost have helped tame the difficult soil structure so often found in the Mudgee area.
The recent removal of two large and damaged eucalypts has provided a new garden planted with nectar-rich native shrubs which have been added specifically as a food source for bees. Small native shrubs and ground covers are rapidly naturalising, rejoicing in the extra sunlight they are receiving.
At the eastern end of the house a charming reticulated pool, which began life as a swimming pool, is surrounded by irises and bulrushes and filled with water lilies. Adorning the lawns are several graceful garden plots containing an absorbing collection of plants, from irises and lavenders to Shirley poppies and canna lilies. A massive pony tail plant dominating one plot, is accompanied by a smoke bush, surrounded by swathes of erigeron and Chinese plumbago, and in another plot a second smaller pond is enhanced by groupings of drumstick alliums, pigface and variegated liriope.
Rock sculptures, hypertufa pots, and gabion blocks created by the owners add to the eclectic feel of the garden. Trish has built the gabion blocks herself after discovering how to do so online! In sheltered spots, such as under the Virginia creeper-covered pergola, orchids can be found along with willow sculptures also made by Trish.
As you leave the garden, don’t forget to spend a few minutes enjoying the panoramic views across the Mudgee district from the top of the drive.