2023_Gardens

Cherie and David Boland

Elegant landscape created by trees and hedging

30 Tinja Lane, Putta Bucca.

Author: Jane Munro

Cherie and David Boland’s garden is an elegant landscape of vistas and hidden places. Skilled design and unrelenting dedication to trialling and identifying the best plants for their block’s soil and microclimate, are the foundations for this garden’s success.

Curvaceous, sweeping lines of clipped hedges, avenues and groves of trees entice the visitor to explore the garden, moving from one beautifully designed area to the next, each with its own character and plant selection. Many of the plants are clipped into spherical or ovoid shapes and these are equally at home in the formal gardens as in the more free-flowing, informal areas.

You will see poplars, maples, casuarinas, silver elms, willows, Forest Pansy, Magnolia grandiflora, Viburnums, and delicate variegated pittosporums.

Accepting that some favourite plants won’t prosper in their garden’s microclimate, alternatives have been planted with great success. Simonii poplars thrive in place of silver birches and there’s a naturalistic grove of them, underplanted with ivy and graced with an elegant central sculpture. Avenues of ornamental pear varieties look stunning and bloom in succession to produce a long flowering season. Hedges and trees are selected for low maintenance- Gleditsia, groves of Acer rubrum “October glory” and casuarina. The great variety of plants and the stunning sculptures and outdoor features (including a spectacular sculptural firepit) will inspire everyone.

2023_Gardens

John and Chris Bentley

The Best of Both Worlds

19 Mortimer Street, Mudgee

Author: Jane Munro

The Bentleys’ house hides in seclusion behind a tall hedge of well-shaped standard buxus. That theme continues with low borders of buxus hedging and tall grandiflora magnolias lining the front path on both sides. The impression is of order and formality, attention to detail and pleasing geometry, anchored by 3 standard Manchurian pears spaced at regular intervals along the frontage, and reflected in a row of cubic planters which define the edge of a shady pergola. Covered with wisteria, this is clearly a favourite spot to sit and contemplate the garden.

There are more outdoor living areas on the eastern and western sides. An outdoor dining area has large planters, star jasmine and potted citrus; and there’s a softer, quieter retreat area hidden behind trellised star jasmine, with beds of liriope, ferns and vibrant potted geraniums.

In contrast, the rear of the block presents the delights of an abundant cottage-style garden. There’s a profusion of flowering perennials, many with silver-grey foliage to contrast with the bright blossoms. You will see dahlias, santolina, roses, lavender, gaura, unusual salvias, cannas, irises, daisies and callistemons. There are orange and lemon trees planted among the flowers and a fragrant honeysuckle screen. Trees include a weeping mulberry underplanted with bulbs, a prunus, a graceful weeping golden elm, and crepe myrtles.

Aspiring gardeners will be inspired by the interesting infrastructure features- compost bins, greenhouse, glasshouse, utility sheds and potting area, all essential to the process of creating the Bentleys’ lovely garden.

2022_Gardens, News

2022 Gardens of Mudgee gardens finalised

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.

Ingenuity and Creativity

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.

 

A masterly transformation.

‘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.

In A Hidden Valley

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.

News

Gardens of Mudgee Gardens 2021 Videos available for all gardens.

We understand many were disappointed that Gardens of Mudgee had to be cancelled in 2021. So, we have made videos of all gardens so you can at least view the gardens in all their magnificence in October at the time of the Show.

The link to a playlist for all gardens is here. 

Links for individual gardens are :

Bowman’s 

Brierty’s

Gordon’s

Kemptons’

Reeves’ 

Stubbs’

Watch them all or come back often and watch one at a time with a glass of wine in hand.

We hope you enjoy them.

Watch for an announcment soon on the 2022 Gardens of Mudgee.

News

2021 Gardens of Mudgee Cancelled

After consultation with the gardeners who were to host the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee Show it has been agreed that a deferral to Autumn 2022 would not be the best way to show these gardens.

So, the 2021 Show has been cancelled. The 2022 Show will run in Spring in October on  dates to be announced.

Videos of all Gardens are posted in the next news post on this site to show you what will be on show in 2022. Come back often.

2021_Gardens, News

2021 Gardens of Mudgee Show Deferred.

The Rotary Club of Mudgee organising group for the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee has been monitoring the continuing Covid-19 situation and lockdowns in NSW, including the restrictions and safety requirements for protection of both the public and of our volunteers who make this event happen.

Our wonderful volunteer gardeners whose gardens you see on this site work towards a date to ensure their gardens are showing at their best. They will be accelerating their efforts from this point so a decision on the future of the 2021 Show is required now. We have unfortunately reached the conclusion that we cannot run an event under the probable conditions which will apply on the 16/17th October. We would like to ensure we have an environment which will be satisfactory for our visitors, and safe for our gardeners and the many volunteers who support this Show.

The 2021 Gardens of Mudgee is therefore deferred from the current date of October 16/17th October 2021. An announcement on the date of the next Show in 2022 will be made within two to three weeks on this site and on our Facebook page so plan to visit again early October.

Our apologies to all of you who were looking forward to this event on the planned date.  For those who have purchased tickets,  arrangements will be made for refund asap.

2021_Gardens, News

Gardens of Mudgee Status 20 August 2021

It is difficult at this time to be able to determine whether the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee will be able to exhibit for everyone due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns

We continue to believe we will be able to organise a Covid Safe event  for 16-17 October subject to limitations at that time. The organising Committee from the Rotary Club of Mudgee is continuing with planning associated with the event, including meeting the additional requirements to make this a Covid Safe event.

So, as at this point the event is proceeding and will be on on the planned dates.

Obviously, this can be subject to review dependent on the development of the pandemic in NSW and our region over the next two months. Come back to this site or visit our Facebook page  for updates as the event gets closer. For those who have purchased or will purchase tickets for the event, be assured that, in the event that there is a cancellation these will be refundable.

Stay safe everyone!

News

2021 Gardens of Mudgee display gardens for exhibition finalized.

In 2021, Gardens of Mudgee will be showing six gardens, five from the cancelled 2020 Show and one new garden. 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 2021 Rotary Gardens of Mudgee on the weekend of 16th and 17th of October, 2021.

Ingenuity and Creativity

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.

Tall Eucalpyts create islands of shade.

John and Wendy Reeves’ garden began in a paddock four years ago and has been created with the intention of following the natural lie of the land. They have kept most of the original eucalyptus trees which provide shade and shelter to the property and created gardens around many of them. A wide expanse of lawn is divided almost in half by a creek whose banks are clothed in yellow gazanias.

Many of the trees have seats installed under them so make sure you take some time to sit and enjoy the Spring sunshine glancing through those wonderful eucalypts.

A masterly transformation.

‘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.

In A Hidden Valley

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.

 

 

Unifying vision and thoughtful plant selection make a garden to enjoy.

Sue and Col Briety have spent 9 years developing their gardening vision and refining their plant selection to best suit Mudgee’s climate. Meandering pathways lead through an interesting selection of medium-sized trees. These relatively sheltered areas are focal points for romantic “edge of woodland” style plantings of flowering perennials like aquilegia, spring bulbs, hellebores, ajuga and primroses. Elsewhere there’s a great variety of native and exotic perennials. Look out for the well-chosen “Anzac Corner” with its luscious red “Gallipoli” shrub rose and grevillea “Spirit of Anzac”. In other areas, dazzling displays of vibrant colour will catch your eye and make you smile.

 

More details can be found here.

 

News

Mudgee Garden Spectacular in 2020 – Situation

The Rotary Club of Mudgee has identified a wonderful group of new gardens for the 2020 Mudgee Rotary Garden Spectacular.

We thank the gardeners for volunteering their time and energy. This contribution will allow many people to enjoy their gardens in October, and at the same time, assist Rotary in raising funds to put back into our community.

Sadly, as everyone now knows, the world now revolves around the progress of a dastardly virus…and this has significant implications for this event.

The Garden Spectacular is scheduled for October, almost 6 months away, so with such an extended time buffer, at this stage the Club is still aiming to go ahead with the event as originally planned.

Clearly, we can’t commence our usual promotional program at this time as the preparation of materials for our websites and for brochures would contravene the current isolation requirements.

The double frustration is that the weather appears to have turned, setting the scene for a brilliant spring. Our Club hopes we can capitalize on it.

If you are waiting for information on this event we ask that you please be patient while we await developments and adjust to the new circumstances. As mentioned, we are trying hard to still have a Garden Show and will keep you informed of progress via this website and the Facebook Rotary Club of Mudgee site.

 

News

2020 Mudgee Garden Spectacular

The second Mudgee Garden Spectacular organised by the Rotary Club of Mudgee was well received with around 700 visitors over the two days. Great support was received from garden owners, garden speakers, local sponsors and the CWA caterers at Milroy as well as willing volunteer help from Rotary members, partners and other volunteers.

The event will run again in 2020 on Saturday / Sunday 17th and 18th of October 2020. There will be a completely new set of Mudgee gardens on display in 2020 so put the event in your calendar now.

More information will be posted on this site as the event develops this year.