15 Dewhurst Drive, Mudgee
An airy eyrie looking towards the eastern hills
Perched high on the hills on the southern edge of Mudgee, Jennie Stephens’ house and surrounding double block (formerly the site of a slate mine) overlook the town below, and across to the eastern hills.
Jennie and Sam moved to Mudgee in 2024, and commenced major renovations to the existing garden. They brought rocks from their Coolah property, and used these to create new landscape features throughout their large south Mudgee garden.
The existing trees were thinned by about a third, to create light and space, and a 60-metre garden bank was developed. Jennie planted many new evergreen shrubs and perennials, over 60 rose bushes, and various bearded iris, all compatible with an overarching pastel colour scheme.
The broad verge between the double block and the roadside, has been transformed by the establishment of beautifully mulched beds with native plants, and several distinctive sculptures.
The seemingly random, undulating profile of the hedged jasmine and bush roses, marking the eastern boundary of the property, echoes the topography of the line of hills to the east, viewed from the house, and enhancing the airy atmosphere of the ridge-top.
Close to the house, a dramatic effect has been created, with lawn expanses, bordered with metal edging, juxtaposed against areas of rust-coloured crushed granite, spread out under the established trees. Sunlight filtered by the foliage of a large Deodar cedar and Chinese elm cast beautiful dappled shadows on these gravelled areas. Bronzewing pigeons wander around fearlessly.
Sculptures, and whimsical ornaments, are strategically placed throughout the main garden areas. All the plants are bursting with vitality and care. Notable shrub and tree plantings include crabapples (which should be flowering in October), xylosma screening, crepe myrtles, rhaphiolepis, oleander, duranta and variegated elm, and a lovely pale lilac-flowered buddleia.
In the flower garden, there are colourful chrysanthemums, and a sublime pink “Duet” rose. Pink and white roses bordered by a buxus hedge adorn the front of the house. There are geraniums, verbena, iris, salvias, velour sage and a very happy hebe.
Birds are welcome, and an elegant bird feeder attracts the king parrots. If you listen carefully, you may hear gentle, low, “oom oom” sounds, the call of the bronzewing pigeons for whom this garden is home.