19 Leconfield Drive, Mudgee
Sunlight and shadows enhance design and atmosphere
Behind its extensive photinia hedge, Feroz and Joan’s 1.2ha park-like garden presents a pleasing scattering of a variety of deciduous ornamental trees, including pairs of close-planted ornamental pears (as Joan says, “almost holding hands”), providing leafy, shaded refuges in summer. The many crabapple trees will be putting on their spectacular display of flowers, in October.
In between the trees, are scattered enticing geometric-shaped beds, densely planted with bright-flowered perennials- notably, dutch iris, bearded iris, and gauras. Each of these beds has its own character, inviting exploration.
In this, more formal part of the garden, there is a developing display of espaliered apples, peaches and pears.
Moving from east to west, at the rear of the residence, there are bright, semi-formal beds of flowering perennials, surrounding a paved area and shady verandah, with a grape arbour. There’s a lovely long bed of bright pink valerian, shaded by tall hakeas, which are a magnet for black cockatoos.
Moving further towards the west, a deep, densely planted bed containing roses, mays and iris separates the house from the native garden. A fragrant honeysuckle tumbles over a shaded garden seat. This is where Feroz likes to “sit on one of the benches and enjoy a book, with a cup of tea in hand”.
Hidden away in this part of the garden are shadecloth tunnels, in which leafy green vegetables are thriving.
The western side of the property has been dedicated to a very lovely native garden. In an area that was almost desolate when they arrived, Joan and Feroz have planted callistemons (many of them graceful, weeping varieties), hakeas, and wattles. These are set out in informal rows, and separated by shaded grassy spaces. Bordering these are various eucalypts, their uppermost branches interlace over the top of this delightful grove, dappling the whole magical space with their shade. The overall effect is of peace and tranquility, in the midst of nature.
The perimeter of this native garden is defined by broad band of grasses, agapanthus, pigface and lavenders, which soften the transition to the edge of the block. Joan says, “I love the view to the south-west. When the shadows come across, it looks like garden goes on forever”.
Other notable features include some huge, old oaks, elms and box elders, and many roses, including some incredibly lovely trellised favourites. The sublime specimen of Pierre de Ronsard is not to be missed.
