A landmark building transformed and graced by a new walled garden
1a Lewis Street, Mudgee
Author: Jane Munro
The former Tyrepower building at 1A Lewis Street is almost unrecognisable after a major architectural transformation, and the creation of a lovely walled garden at the rear of the building, some four years ago. Bordered on the southern side by an elegant colonnade which runs the full length of the residence, the garden architecture incorporates several features created from stone and timber salvaged from the building works.
The building’s location adjacent to the front of the block provides just enough space for a very appealing planting jam-packed with salvia, rosemary, dianthus, seaside daisy, alyssum and irises. Visitors will approach the walled garden via a driveway bordered with rows of cypress underplanted with a choisya shrubbery and various groundcovers.
As befits the dimensions of the walled garden, surrounding a buffalo lawn, its simple design skilfully incorporates a harmonious balance of groundcovers, ornamental shrubs, small trees and climbing roses.
Groundcovers used include lambs’ ears and artemisia, alyssum, pinks and snow-in-summer. These are surmounted by various purple and blue salvias, occasional small spheres of shaped buxus, scattered foxgloves, irises, and white iceberg roses.
In autumn, voluptuous, lavender-hued velour sage flower spikes draw the eye, and midnight-blue salvias, which seem to lean out from out of their crinkled-leafed foliage, are the other floral highlights.
Small trees are scattered around the perimeter, including quinces, and “little gem” magnolias planted in-ground and in large planters.
On the garden walls, pink climbing roses are establishing themselves. Along the colonnade, wisteria and ornamental grape have been planted to maximise enjoyment of the seasons.
Other noteworthy features include a simple stone bench made from an original window, a charming display of succulents in terra cotta pots, and outbuildings built from original floorboards.