In 2022, Gardens of Mudgee will be showing six gardens, four from the cancelled 2021 Show and two new gardens. All are gardens not previously seen in the Gardens of Mudgee show.
The Mudgee climate is well known 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 2022 Rotary Gardens of Mudgee on the weekend of 15th and 16th of October, 2022.
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.
‘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.
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.
New energy revitalises a historic garden
The honeysuckle hedge along the Church Street frontage of June Middleton’s garden, and the canopy formed venerable trees, give a sense of stepping into a secluded, shady forest. The atmosphere speaks of the history of the house and garden. A magnificent Chinese Elm, pepper trees and ornamental pear trees provide dappled shade to the expansive lawn and broad beds of agapanthus and irises, flourishing sedums, and graceful oleanders.
In spring, you can expect to see massed beds of geraniums, including very pale pink and a vibrant red trailing variety, and there will be colourful displays of bulbs throughout the garden.
Lose yourself in a hidden wonderland
The neat street frontage of the Julius’s Bawden Road residence gives no clue as to the wonderland hidden away beyond the car port. The magical mystery tour begins with an eclectic array of succulent-filled planters and sculptures made from repurposed and scrap metal materials. Softly trickling water can be heard, its source hidden amongst liriopes, cannas and water lilies.
Enticing pathways lead through a succession of walled garden rooms, each providing shade and growing surfaces for a wide variety of plants and containing fascinating relics and industrial memorabilia.
This fantastical garden is the result of 30 years of passion, imagination and hard work, and pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved on a quarter acre block.
More details can be found here.