13 Burgundy Road, Mudgee
Interesting planting priorities make for a fascinating and delightful garden
Situated near the end of a cul-de-sac lined with mature pin oaks, the Mayberrys’ garden begins at the kerb. A verge planting created 6 years ago (largely comprising drought-tolerant native shrubs and groundcovers), is well-established under the shelter of a massive Chinese Elm. This restful, shaded refuge comes alive with masses of jonquils in spring.
The well-mulched front garden, containing various ornamentals, is enhanced by elegant trellises, hand-made by Liz from willow stems. Sweet peas will ramble here in spring. An ornamental grape screens the front porch.
Plant selections prioritise vegetables and other edibles, plants whose leaves and stems can be used for weaving, and plants that provide food and shelter for birds. A pomegranate tree provides food for king parrots. An on-going project is to establish a dense understorey which it is hoped will attract blue wrens. Several fruit trees are also grown for human consumption, including fig, persimmon, and olive.
Plants for use in weaving include strappy-leaved Iris foetidissima, dianella, lomandra, jasmine, grapevine, flax and day lillies.
“I’m not a tidy gardener” says Liz. “My pruning method is chop and drop, leaving the prunings where they fall to provide mulch, and habitat.” The Mayberrys’ approach also favours “Ad hoc, opportunism and serendipity”.
Water conservation is another priority. Wicking beds have been set up in spots where the large trees deplete soil moisture, making in-ground gardening difficult. In more heavily shaded areas, grass has been replaced with gravel.
In other areas, vegetables and ornamentals are grown in raised beds and in-ground. These are charmingly informal, with eye-catching flowers (including bright red cannas, and a magnificent display of the ornamental amaranth variety known as “red-hot pussy cat tails”), interplanted with leafy greens.
Composting is another priority, with comfrey grown as a border around an elderflower, Sambucus nigra, for use as a compost accelerator. Fallen leaves from the many deciduous trees, are stored for composting. Having found conventional worm farms unusable due to Mudgee’s intense heat, worms are farmed in the comfort of an old esky.
A covered area on the western side of the house, shelters a thriving selection of tender, shade-loving plants, including a massive bird’s-nest fern.
Liz and Ross being keen cyclists, there are several interesting garden features constructed from old bicycles and bike parts.
While you’re in the area, check out Dewhurst Reserve (just up the hill from the Mayberrys’). Since 2021, several stands of native trees and shrubs have been established as part of a Council-supported community project. The plants were supplied by Watershed Landcare, and Midwestern Regional Council assisted by setting up underground watering, and delivering mulch as required.