Jennifer Leone and her children Lana and Paul gave the Burke’s Backyard team a guided tour of their backyard, which consists of five acres of established trees, formal manicured gardens and magnificent floral displays. The property is surrounded by a high brick wall, so this ‘secret garden’ normally can’t be seen by passers-by.  Â
Features of the garden
Impressive entry gates are emblazoned with the family crest, a gilded lion on a black shield. Jennifer’s husband Paul comes from Siracusa in Sicily, and Leone in Italian means ‘lion’. Bird baths, an arch, fountains and a lookout were carved in sandstone by Tom Nagle, a fourth generation stonemason who has worked on the property for the last three years. There is a large pavilion in the garden which seats 24 people and is perfect for entertaining. The garden is at its best in spring, when colourful annuals, azaleas, prunus and crab apples are all in full flower.
Further information
The Secret Garden is located at 352 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW and will be open from 10am-4pm on September 18 and 19, 1999. Entrance fee $5 (children free). There will be pony rides, a jumping castle and refreshments. All proceeds will go to The Spastic Centre to help children suffering from cerebral palsy.Â
The gilding of the crest was done by Art Gilding Pty Ltd, 575-577 King Street, Newtown, NSW, phone: (02) 9519 2468.