Enjoying views of the towering gums in the reserve and a private deck overlooking the sheep yards and creek, Braeside Cottage is the essence of serenity. Thus, the garden surrounding the cottage had to be relaxing and yet structered. Hedging and formal paths gives the garden structure whilst herbaceous perennials means an eruption of fresh foliage and flower as we step into spring.
A simple symmetrical entry adds a touch of formaility to an otherwise cottage style garden. Bordered by box hedging (Buxus microphylla Faulkner) the rustic path surrounding the central cast iron urn is constructed from old clay bricks found throughout the property, possibly an old chimney or the remains of an out building, they reflect the character and history of the cottage. A square pond with a cast iron urn act as a water feature and central focal point in the centre of the path.
Surrounding the garden, a hedge of Double flowering May Bush should prove to be a real eyecatcher in spring. The Garden beds are mass planted with the Old World Rose 'Sally Holmes' producing large single white flowers, opening from apricot buds. Repeat Flowering and a with a superb fragrance, 'Sally Holmes' will delight guests throughout the growing season. Predominantly white, the perennials also exhibit hues of pink and blue, filling the beds and spilling onto the paths, softening the edges. The roses are underplanted with perennials such as nepeta, salvia, ceratostigma, iris, dahlia, anemone, stachys and sedum, complementing the large white blooms. These perennials will create an explosion of colour whilst welcoming birds and bees into the cottage surrounds.
To the East of the cottage lies the storehouse, surrounded by beds af yellow flowering plants such as Canna, Iris, Kniphofia and daisy, a lawn area here welcomes the cottage guests to stop, relax and enjoy the soft breeze under a shady Eucalypt. The path beside the cottage continues the yellow theme with the Old World Rose 'Lamarque' planted to cover a small arbor. Pure white flowers with a lemon centre, this vigourous climber is rarely without a bloom and is best viewed from below, making a pergola or arbor the perfect location. Yellow flowering perennials fill the beds here and the lower growing perennials and annuals spill onto the meandering path, softening the edge.
Cottage guests will also enjoy their very own herb garden, filled with fresh culinary delights, the herb garden is planted in a cluster of three descending aged terracotta pots. Bordered by annual and vegetable seedlings, the pots sit on the edge of the path for easy access to pick fresh herbs for use in meals and herbal teas. A rsutic style antique gate and original paling fence adds a sense of history and charm to the rear of the cottage garden, framing the view of the sheep yards and creek. The nearby chookpen with an array of poultry adds an element of country style to the setting.
A series of sandstone stepping stones grace a bed of Ajuga repens, leading from the the stairs of the back veranda to the outdoor shower. Screened by hedging bamboo and a hardwood modesty screen, the hot and cold outdoor shower provides a comfortable and private place to bathe whilst enjoying the great outdoors. An antique clawfoot bath provides a soothing water feature here whilst a rustic timber seat allows guests to sit and relax in the shower, absorbing the bucolic outlook.
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( 2.9 / 11 )Early historical records indicate the presence of a rose garden around the homestead. Unfortunately today nothing remains of the orginal rose garden. As with most things, gardens evolve over time as tastes and trends change. So we have designed a formal rose garden around the front verandah. We have chosen to use traditional roses and compliment them with box hedging.
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Here you can see the start of the garden. Under the blue skip is paving stones which where laid in the late 1990s. They have been removed and the Rose garden beds established.
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Better View from here, the fountain trough will be lowered to ground level.
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( 3 / 15 )Welcome to the Braeside Garden Blog
Welcome to the Braeside Garden Blog! Here we will keep you informed on what is happening around the gardens at Braeside Homestead and Braeside Mountain. Any news, upcoming events and hot gossip will be updated regularly.
We are currently recovering from our Autumn Open Garden at Braeside Mountain, whilst busily planning for our October opening and the installation of formal gardens and entertaining areas around Braeside Homestead.
We're always looking for inspiration, motivation and a fresh perspective, we welcome anyone's contribution towards the gardens. Please feel free to add any comments, advice, tips or ask questions about either garden.
Clint
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