This garden sits on the
high point of Glenlyon, with rich red volcanic soil, but ferocious winds and
frost. In 2004 a start was made on
the seriously overgrown garden. One third of the property was cleared of an
impenetrable buddleia thicket revealing the magnificent arbutus uneda and the
large apple on the west boundary.
By 2006 the dilapidated cyprus
pines had become dangerous, so 16 were removed, opening up the garden but
exposing it to the constant southerlies.
Now the densely planted casuarinas, and blackwoods provide excellent
cover. They were watered in,
mulched very heavily and from then on received no help. Within three years, the red volcanic
soil had done its work and the trees are 2.5 m high! They are lopped annually
to maintain thickness and retain the skyline.
Having provided shelter,
the planting of shrubs and herbaceous perennials began, using very hardy plants
like hazelnuts, artichokes, saltbush and berberis. By 2008 the shelter was
sufficient to remove the artichokes and some hazelnuts to a less hospitable
area and replace them with more tender plants. Unfortunately the saltbush, having been topiarised for
some years, succumbed to the cold and wet.
In the West Garden you
will find various viburnum, philadelphus, berberis, cistus, correa, sambuccus,
crab apples, crataegus, parrotia persica, pomegranates, buddleja, leucadendron,
leptospernum, kolkwitizia, camellia, sarcacocca, santolina, rosemarys, sages,
lavenders, ceratostigma, ribes, wood strawberries and lots of other things!
Among them a new sculpture by Stephan Guber, a German sculptor.
The Ram Paddock was the
old orchard, with only a few trees left.
In an effort to overcome the depredations of wind, ‘stepover’ apples are
being trialed here! The Ram sculpture (Dave Dando 2010) leaps into a sea of
cornus alba siberica and cornus flaviramea and is backed by a magnificent
walnut. The dogwoods are underplanted with spring bulbs and autumn flowering
chrysanthemums for seasonal interest. All very tough and able to withstand the
gales!
The South 40 is the
propagation area. Currently bearded iris, cornus, garlic, hazelnuts, christmas
lilies, and belladonna lilies are being grown. Also asparagus, onions and
potatoes for the table.
Interestingly, the plants thrive in this exposed position and it’s good
for ‘growing on’.
The veggie beds are set to
the north to avoid the worst of the southerlies and catch the best of the sun.
The Owl is another Dave Dando piece.
The OK Corral, fenced in
willow (Jason Jones 2007) with three manchurian pears, is a wonderful showcase
for bearded iris and an entertaining area with shelter from the winds. And last but not least, The Nanna
Garden provides shelter for the elderly lemon and many less hardy old fashioned
plants.
Andrew Kimpton has also contributed to the sculpture collection.
Andrew Kimpton has also contributed to the sculpture collection.
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| Deep blue echiums reach for the bright blue sky |
(Pics to come - too many from which to choose!)
