The Southern Highlands of New South Wales is one of the great garden areas of Australia. Some of the lovely old gardens there are at their best at this time of year, and they are really worth visiting to learn about design – how you do a driveway, where the garden beds go, how you use water and of course how you use colours. Don visited Moidart, a grand garden at Bowral which was established in 1935 and is still true to the original design.
Bulbs in the lawn
Hundreds of daffodils and jonquils have naturalised in the lawn. They flower at the end of winter and in early spring, and then the area is mown and becomes just a lawn again. This idea is so simple, but the effect is really fantastic.
Woodland
Large deciduous trees form a protective canopy for herbaceous plants and bulbs such as hellebores (Helleborus x hybrida) and snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Beauty’), as well as shade lovers like azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons. The woodland area is informal, but very charming with its meandering path and ebb and flow of plants. This is a relaxed and easy form of gardening which would be easy to do in any backyard.
Further information
Moidart, Eridge Park Road, Bowral, NSW, will open from September 18 to November 21, 1999, 10am – 4.30pm daily. Entry $5. Children free.