Sue and Mario’s Tranquil Japanese Garden

Augusta Garden

Robyn and Gerard purchased their 10-acre property in 2020, the house yard was a blank canvas with a few large trees. With a passion for gardening, Robyn, on her fifth garden project, sketched a plan influenced by her favourite designers and the result is a stunning garden featuring over 300 roses, integrated with natives, exotic perennials, and shrubs that thrive in the slightly acidic, clay soil.

A formal terrace and dry creek bed were installed in the front yard, offering a perfect spot to enjoy views of Gaanha Bula / Mt Canobolas. The garden also boasts a frog pond, rose arch, protea border, tropical garden, and extensive rose beds. In the backyard, garden areas with low planting preserve views from the pergola, while children enjoy exploring the mosaic path and vintage truck. The white garden, designed for a family wedding, leads to a grey border and a zen garden with a thyme yoga mat.

In 2023, the Veg Mahal enclosure was built to protect crops from rabbits and rodents, featuring Waterups wicking systems that reduce water usage. All garden beds are equipped with spray irrigation, supported by two water tanks and a bore used sparingly for fire protection.

Named after the Augusta golf course in Georgia, the garden includes a 5-hole practice course designed by Gerard. Over 300 trees were planted, and the paddock is being rewilded with native trees.

Augusta is a labour of love, maintained entirely by Robyn and Gerard, who hope visitors will take a moment to sit and enjoy the views.

Californian Bungalow on March Street

Urban oasis with a country garden feel – This 1940s double brick bungalow built on land originally dedicated to market gardens, was purchased by the current owners in 2018. In 2020 the property was transformed from a typical urban block into an oasis with a country garden feel with the help of Sally Bourne Landscapes. The garden utilises the use of drought tolerant plantings with soft ethereal forms to create a sheltered & private garden for the owners.

There is a sense of journey and discovery within the garden. The oversized bluestone steppers that surface the entry path create a romantic whimsical feel as you enter. This is softened with pretty ground covers & layered plantings. The stepping stones connect functional and entertainment zones that encourage people to venture out into the sunshine. This garden allows the owners to “bring the outside in” creating a calm and relaxing environment for the whole family.  

ALISON’S GARDEN 

The house was built in 1902 by Anastasia & Felix Renshaw. When I moved here in 1989, the only garden was the beds immediately to the east & north of the house. The wisteria, about 40 years old, is breathtaking when in flower but not recommended for next to a house. It would destroy the verandah posts & guttering if given the chance.

My goal was to have plants in flower 12 months of the year & I also wanted fruit trees. I began by planting trees & shrubs & filled in the gaps as time & money permitted. I have bulbs in flower virtually all year, many winter flowering shrubs & around 40 salvias, most of which flower in summer & autumn. I’ve killed plenty of plants but have now reached the point where I can only squeeze in small perennials & bulbs.

I like rare & unusual plants but have learnt that many plants which thrive in the UK & Tasmania don’t like our summers. However there are two areas which have an English woodland feel in spring, then sleep through summer.

Belyarra

The owners moved in six years ago during the heart of winter, leaving behind their sheep and broad-acre farm in Coonamble. This garden, originally cultivated by its founders over 20 years ago, spans nearly two hectares and was thoughtfully planted with a diverse range of species. Since then, it has continued to flourish, growing more beautiful with each passing season. The new owners dedicated themselves to revitalising and reestablishing various areas of the garden, some of which were overrun with blackberry thickets and euphorbia. They have since added new ponds, fruit trees, and a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, transforming the space into a lush, vibrant oasis. Each season brings its own burst of colour, attracting an array of birdlife—though some are a bit more mischievous than others—and of course, the ever-present rabbits!

MURPHY LANE