open gardens #5

And then we moved on to the last garden. This was on a smaller suburban garden but the owner had used plants from the gondwana regions. So we got a chance to see a huge variety of native and unusual plants. The garden was very deceptive in the way that the space was used and brocken up into rooms as it felt a lot larger and had lots of interesting views.

And then we were well and truely ready for a sit down and something to eat so we headed to the patchwork cafe. This is next door to the huge antique shop. We had a lovely meal and listened to a fantastic jazz/blues duo singing on the lawn. Perfect way to top off a fantastic day.

open gardens #4

What an entrance, and what a hedge.

This house dates to the early to mid 1800s. Looking at the two old front doors I would say this used to be two cottages. Maybe for workers/ managers of the hops farms that grew around this place on the banks of the river derwent. New Norflok being a convict settlement where convict and settlers from Norfolk island were sent.

Closest to the house was the rose garden.

Dad disappearing into the garden. We didnt see him again until the bus came.

This plant , mock orange I think,had the most gorgeous sent as we passed by it.

There was a more structured part of the garden.

mum checking out part of the vegetable garden. A good sign of an old garden it this old clothes line, still one of the best types in my opinion and a n outside toilet.

A love a meandering path. Where will it take me? And will I be able to find my way back to the house?

Inside the massive hedge row at the front of the property and below an old ladder. I bet this must have lead somewhere interesting.

open garedn #2

Then we moved on to look at two garedns on the banks of the Derwent. Both places had lovely jettys and large blocks.

I loved this outdoor area. It would be great for entertaining and the ferns in this ares were flourishing

 Down by the river. Remember to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors lurking under your seat.

I still have a garden

It is so hard to believe that while NSW is in a state of emergency with their fires we are still waiting for our ground to dry out. The poor sheep have had a very wet time under foot and I have to remember to wear my gumboots if I stray from our paths so I dont end up with wet feet.
After our very hot last summer and the hungry wildlife I am happy to say I still have a few things growing in my garden, not as much as before but I think I can still call it a garden.

Our dam is full.

 A few plants none of the animals have ever tried to eat. Flax and cordaline.

As you can see here the animals have eaten the agapanthus all the way along the driveway. These were not one of my favourite plants but They look great as edging for the drive and nothing eats them, or so I thought.

A garden to remember

These rhodos are from my grandmas garden and even though we have a problem with soil and water out here these plants have continued to flower ever year for me. They are getting pretty old now and they remind me of my grandmas garden and her love of the out doors. They have pride of place on the "rhodo hill".

I should remember never to grumble about how slowely my garden does grow, because as we all know all good things take time to grow and take root before eventually setting seed. This is the best time of the year to be out in my garden as it is full of so much bright colour and that means it is filled with love.