Jordans Crossing Gazette

Undoubtedly beautiful gardens are a drawcard for many visitors to our area. In fact sometimes I wonder if it were not for our beautiful gardens if we would see some friends at all! Either way, we enjoy taking our friends to see the many gardens around about Bundanoon. The trick is to find one that is open when you want to visit. Please check open times, either on the website for each property or on ‘My Open Garden’: www.myopengarden.com.au. The following are well worth a visit. Red Cow Farm - Sutton Forest Red Cow Farm is a set on 2.5 hectares and features 20 rooms with an exuberant cottage garden, monastery garden, abbess’s garden, a stunning collection of rare and unusual perennials, woodland, day breaks old fashioned roses and clematis, beech walk, lake, bog garden, orchard and kitchen garden. Open from late September to May, this garden has been described as one of the best in the world. Chinoiserie – Mittagong This garden (1.25 acres) features a spring time display of over 100 varieties of peonies - Chinese, Japanese, European and American Tree Peonies and herbaceous borders which flower from spring through to late autumn. Chinoiserie is a very colourful plant collector’s garden which will bring much pleasure to all those who visit. It features many rare and unusual plants, and it is a very good example of many years of passionate hard work. Retford Park - Bowral – a National Trust property Having been in the caring hands of Mr Fairfax for over 50 years, this garden is a delight to wander through. As you venture up the driveway, the grand Victorian Italianate homestead appears from a towering arboretum of a magnificent collection of evergreen and deciduous trees, some very rare and unique. Surrounding the eastern side of the homestead is a patchwork of hedged gardens showcasing everything from a detailed knot garden, exquisite swimming pool and pavilion, sculptures demanding centre stage and even a friendly family of five emus. Moidart - Burradoo The historic property Moidart was established in 1932. In subsequent years it developed a large cold climate garden which has become one of the iconic gardens of the Southern Highlands of NSW. Famous for its collection of rare plants, bulbs, trees and shrubs a nursery was opened in 1970 to propagate many of these rare specimens to make them available to other nurseries, landscapers and garden lovers. Perennial Hill - Mittagong Situated on the sunny side of the famous ‘Gib’, Perennial Hill is a jewel in the making. Featuring magnificent dry-stone walls throughout the property, the garden is comprised of numerous rooms of which seamlessly flow from one to the other. This is a plant lovers’ delight. — Lyn Morehen Visiting gardens in the Southern Highlands Photos this page: Red Cow Farm, by Juanita Manahan December 2017 31 jcg www.bca.asn.au