History of the Gardens
Hurlstone Homestead and Gardens today
In 1987 Hurlstone was first “discovered” through a haze of mist in the early morning light. A love affair began despite its neglected state. It was not until mid 1989 that we were fortunate to purchase the property at auction. The love affair became a commitment and at times a daunting one. Dreams only become reality through sheer hard work and persistence.
We found ourselves the owners of a house with white ant damage, sunken foundations and “bits” missing. The garden consisted of two dry ponds full of cumbungi, overflowing sullage causing a swamp, grass interspersed with discarded furniture, rocks, rotting timber, the odd snake and a few established trees. We needed vision, imagination and encouragement.
Without the capable assistance of Dianne McPherson, we might have stopped there. Her creativity, enthusiasm and support provided the impetus to believe that it could become a reality.
From 1989 to 1992, we land formed, excavated the lake, established an irrigation system and planted lawns. The driveway was rerouted to create a vista across the water on entry to circle the house in order for it to be viewed from all angles and exiting down a shared driveway of claret ash, golden ash and willows.
The driveway is lined with jacarandas and under-planted with agapanthus, white at the entrance and blue from the first tree onwards. Juniperus taxifolia “Lutchensis” covers the channel bank interspersed with Sea Foam roses. Christmas day sees the driveway at its most spectacular, a sea of vivid blue and the Flame tree near the lake in full red bloom. A Cupressus cashmeriana also thrives here.
The two enormous sugar gums on the other side of the channel formed the original entrance to the property in 1900 until the advent of the irrigation channels in 1908 when the entry moved to the location of the current bridge.
We found ourselves the owners of a house with white ant damage, sunken foundations and “bits” missing. The garden consisted of two dry ponds full of cumbungi, overflowing sullage causing a swamp, grass interspersed with discarded furniture, rocks, rotting timber, the odd snake and a few established trees. We needed vision, imagination and encouragement.
Without the capable assistance of Dianne McPherson, we might have stopped there. Her creativity, enthusiasm and support provided the impetus to believe that it could become a reality.
From 1989 to 1992, we land formed, excavated the lake, established an irrigation system and planted lawns. The driveway was rerouted to create a vista across the water on entry to circle the house in order for it to be viewed from all angles and exiting down a shared driveway of claret ash, golden ash and willows.
The driveway is lined with jacarandas and under-planted with agapanthus, white at the entrance and blue from the first tree onwards. Juniperus taxifolia “Lutchensis” covers the channel bank interspersed with Sea Foam roses. Christmas day sees the driveway at its most spectacular, a sea of vivid blue and the Flame tree near the lake in full red bloom. A Cupressus cashmeriana also thrives here.
The two enormous sugar gums on the other side of the channel formed the original entrance to the property in 1900 until the advent of the irrigation channels in 1908 when the entry moved to the location of the current bridge.
The 'Water Tank' Garden
Many have wondered why we have not removed the unused water tank and its stand. We love it. It’s one of the icons of a bygone era, too frequently discarded by modern society without any thought to our children knowing how water was collected and delivered before the advent of the irrigation system. It also provides the framework for the climbing Rosa “Brunonii”, a Himalayan musk rose with grey green foliage and masses of single white roses. Rosa “Altissimo”, Rosa “Scharlachglut” (Scarlet Fire), Rosa Sombreuil”, Rosa “Pauls Lemon Pillar” and Rosa “Maigold” also happily climb the stand.
The shrubbery beneath contains a Nyssa Sylvatica, Flowering Peach, Malus ioensis “Plena”, Magnolia campbelli and Picea abies “Pungens” or Blue Spruce, which was a gift from a friend. The garden is edged with the red Meidiland carpet rose which provides red flowers through Spring and Summer and red leaves and hips in Winter.
Directly north of this, we established a maple and birch forest in the winter of 1995. The inspiration came from a poster in a dental clinic which evoked visions of red and yellow leaves in Autumn and white bare trunks in Winter, under-planted with masses of jonquils, daffodils, bluebells and grape hyacinth. In Autumn the path is edged with autumn crocus.
Moving up the drive, next is the grey foliage garden backed by a weeping lilypilly hedge and interspersed with clumps of cut leaf birches. The garden contains echium, lavenders, Mexican sage, ceonorum, dianthus, society garlic, daisies, euphorbia, the native woolly bush and other grey foliage plants. It has planted for leaf colour, texture and stature although it does have some fabulous long flowering plants such as the echium and the mexican sage which flowers from summer well into autumn.
The shrubbery beneath contains a Nyssa Sylvatica, Flowering Peach, Malus ioensis “Plena”, Magnolia campbelli and Picea abies “Pungens” or Blue Spruce, which was a gift from a friend. The garden is edged with the red Meidiland carpet rose which provides red flowers through Spring and Summer and red leaves and hips in Winter.
Directly north of this, we established a maple and birch forest in the winter of 1995. The inspiration came from a poster in a dental clinic which evoked visions of red and yellow leaves in Autumn and white bare trunks in Winter, under-planted with masses of jonquils, daffodils, bluebells and grape hyacinth. In Autumn the path is edged with autumn crocus.
Moving up the drive, next is the grey foliage garden backed by a weeping lilypilly hedge and interspersed with clumps of cut leaf birches. The garden contains echium, lavenders, Mexican sage, ceonorum, dianthus, society garlic, daisies, euphorbia, the native woolly bush and other grey foliage plants. It has planted for leaf colour, texture and stature although it does have some fabulous long flowering plants such as the echium and the mexican sage which flowers from summer well into autumn.
Garden bordering the lake
From here wander across to the lake border to a shrubbery interspersed with perennials and conifers. This is a summer flowering garden. The rare Carpinus betulus Fastigiata (Fastigiate Hornbeam) is the pyramidal tree of interest here and the Colorado Spruce and newly planted Picea abies reflexa and the Cupressus glabra pendula; these last two are weeping conifers. The bridge, (all half a tonne of it), was constructed near the house, transported to the lake using a trailer and rider mower, teaching our son the principles of first and second class levers in action. It was floated into place using the little blue boat. The gazebo on the island is a wonderful venue for spring breakfasts, autumn lunches and wedding photos.
The next small bed near the yellow Cupressus macrocarpa “Aurea Saligna” contain a much underrated tree, Pyrus ussuriensis (Manchurian Pear). It has glossy green leaves, white spring blossoms, colours wonderfully in Autumn and always looks good in our harsh climate. The bed also contains a Sophora japonica “Pendula” (Pagoda tree) and is under-planted with Gaura, Shasta daisies and edged with seaside daisy. Japanese water iris is planted along the lake edge of this bed as well as in the lake garden near the bridge and across the waters under the willow.
In 1992 we finally moved into the house and work began in earnest on both the house and garden. A “sullage swamp” existed between the verandah and two willows and two gum trees. This is now the garden that extends from the western verandah to the lake. This has been one of our most rewarding gardens. A walkway has been created between gardens under the willow trees. Plants have been chosen for their foliage and perfume. The walk begins through port wine magnolias, abelia, David Austin roses, crab apples, azaleas and a Corylopsis and then moves under the trees where there is a distinct tropical feel as you wander through ginger lilies, aspidistra, oyster plant, angelica, elephant ears, Japanese anemonies, clivia, a giant Eupatorium and a host of different bulbs.
The next small bed near the yellow Cupressus macrocarpa “Aurea Saligna” contain a much underrated tree, Pyrus ussuriensis (Manchurian Pear). It has glossy green leaves, white spring blossoms, colours wonderfully in Autumn and always looks good in our harsh climate. The bed also contains a Sophora japonica “Pendula” (Pagoda tree) and is under-planted with Gaura, Shasta daisies and edged with seaside daisy. Japanese water iris is planted along the lake edge of this bed as well as in the lake garden near the bridge and across the waters under the willow.
In 1992 we finally moved into the house and work began in earnest on both the house and garden. A “sullage swamp” existed between the verandah and two willows and two gum trees. This is now the garden that extends from the western verandah to the lake. This has been one of our most rewarding gardens. A walkway has been created between gardens under the willow trees. Plants have been chosen for their foliage and perfume. The walk begins through port wine magnolias, abelia, David Austin roses, crab apples, azaleas and a Corylopsis and then moves under the trees where there is a distinct tropical feel as you wander through ginger lilies, aspidistra, oyster plant, angelica, elephant ears, Japanese anemonies, clivia, a giant Eupatorium and a host of different bulbs.
The view from under the willows
This garden also contains a Dacrydium cupressinum (N.Z. Rimu), standardised Salix discolour (pussy willow) which has silver catkins in Spring and a Taxodium distichium (swamp cypress) which when planted in water as it is here, eventually produces special buttress roots protruding from the water so the plant can breathe. There is another planted in the middle of the lake and a weeping version “Cascade Falls” near the Cupressus cashmeriana. Nearby there is a magnificent Paulownia which is a mass of blue bells sitting up in candle formation in October before the leaves appear.
In Winter, 1995, we extended this garden to wind under the willow and along the western boundary. The emphasis of this planting has been on spring flowering shrubs, autumn colour (leaves and fruit) and David Austin roses on the eastern edge for summer colour. Unusual plants here are Eunonymus alatus (winged spindle tree) with cork like three sided branches, Eunonymus latifolius with its rosy berries with wings, Carpentaria californica (tree anemone), Callicarpa bodinierri var. giraldii with its small berries in Autumn. The Callicarpa or snowberry was originally a much loved plant by the Ford family and had disappeared. Joe Ford had taken a cutting with him to his garden in Tatura and kindly struck a piece for us. The winter flowering cherry near the gazebo on the western pathway, Prunus autumnalis, commences in May and flowers through to September. Entry to the gazebo is hedged with a Eonomyous hedge and the paving interspersed with dwarf mondo grass between the pavers and black mondo along the edges and under the seats.
On a knoll in the lawn near the back driveway is an Aesculus carnea (horse chestnut) which has splendid apricot pink, candle like flowers in October and an Ulmus glabra or golden elm is also planted in this lawn.
Our first garden bed was the camellia, azalea, hydrangea and magnolia bed on the northern boundary. This bed struggles with the established native trees next door, however it is a constant joy as there are flowers in autumn, winter, spring and summer. Facing this is a garden a garden with a Pittosporum “Silver sheen” hedge which encloses two miniature leafed elms “Frosty”, a climbing rose “Altissimo” and the purple flowered Lasiandra. The pathway paving is interspersed with dwarf Mondo grass.
Walk into the courtyard and the pond is edged with dwarf Escallonia and lemon and lime trees provides some greenery in pots and relief from the paving.
From here walk to the north and enter the L shape of the property; a grove of nut trees has been planted on the west side of “the shed” which we inherited from a previous aircraft owner. The old barn at the back currently stores renovation paraphernalia. The orchard, chook house and vegie garden which is surrounded by citrus trees all reside here. The boundary has been planted with Acacia nitida and the plan is to continue to add more native plants to this area. The weeping gum, Eucalyptus caesia “Gungurru” frames the barn’s entrance.
Heading back down past the chook house, enter the Cupressus torulosa walkway past the newly planted “red garden” on the eastern boundary. This garden is less than twelve months old and all the plantings have been chosen for their red foliage or stems. Eventually it is envisioned that the architectural elements of foliage, texture and form will emerge.
In Winter, 1995, we extended this garden to wind under the willow and along the western boundary. The emphasis of this planting has been on spring flowering shrubs, autumn colour (leaves and fruit) and David Austin roses on the eastern edge for summer colour. Unusual plants here are Eunonymus alatus (winged spindle tree) with cork like three sided branches, Eunonymus latifolius with its rosy berries with wings, Carpentaria californica (tree anemone), Callicarpa bodinierri var. giraldii with its small berries in Autumn. The Callicarpa or snowberry was originally a much loved plant by the Ford family and had disappeared. Joe Ford had taken a cutting with him to his garden in Tatura and kindly struck a piece for us. The winter flowering cherry near the gazebo on the western pathway, Prunus autumnalis, commences in May and flowers through to September. Entry to the gazebo is hedged with a Eonomyous hedge and the paving interspersed with dwarf mondo grass between the pavers and black mondo along the edges and under the seats.
On a knoll in the lawn near the back driveway is an Aesculus carnea (horse chestnut) which has splendid apricot pink, candle like flowers in October and an Ulmus glabra or golden elm is also planted in this lawn.
Our first garden bed was the camellia, azalea, hydrangea and magnolia bed on the northern boundary. This bed struggles with the established native trees next door, however it is a constant joy as there are flowers in autumn, winter, spring and summer. Facing this is a garden a garden with a Pittosporum “Silver sheen” hedge which encloses two miniature leafed elms “Frosty”, a climbing rose “Altissimo” and the purple flowered Lasiandra. The pathway paving is interspersed with dwarf Mondo grass.
Walk into the courtyard and the pond is edged with dwarf Escallonia and lemon and lime trees provides some greenery in pots and relief from the paving.
From here walk to the north and enter the L shape of the property; a grove of nut trees has been planted on the west side of “the shed” which we inherited from a previous aircraft owner. The old barn at the back currently stores renovation paraphernalia. The orchard, chook house and vegie garden which is surrounded by citrus trees all reside here. The boundary has been planted with Acacia nitida and the plan is to continue to add more native plants to this area. The weeping gum, Eucalyptus caesia “Gungurru” frames the barn’s entrance.
Heading back down past the chook house, enter the Cupressus torulosa walkway past the newly planted “red garden” on the eastern boundary. This garden is less than twelve months old and all the plantings have been chosen for their red foliage or stems. Eventually it is envisioned that the architectural elements of foliage, texture and form will emerge.
The sunken garden and pergola
Finally enter the garden which contains a sunken garden and is home to a 10 by 5 metre formal pond and is backed by a substantial bluestone pergola, flanked by a walkway of Malus floribunda (flowering crab apple) and under-planted with giant Ajuga and edged with English box facing the pond and agapanthus on the east. Two Japanese flowering cherries Prunus serrulata “Mt Fuji” backed by two golden Gleditsia triacanthos “Sunburst”, frame the area. Twenty two yellow “Fresia” floribunda standard roses frame the walls of the sunken garden which are built from bluestone left on the property as is the pergola. Kerry spent six months constructing the pergola and each pillar centre is filled with concrete.
The lytch gate area is hedged with Camellia sasanqua “Setsugeka” and a bed on the eastern border edged with a miniature nandina and containing a row of Juniperus x media “Pfitzeriana Aurea”. It is backed with weeping Lilypilly which was planted at the same time as the opposite hedge of Lillypilly which is four times as high since it does not compete with huge gums next door. The lawn contains eight Gleditsia inermis. This lawn is the perfect spot for a marquee overlooking the sunken garden.
We both work long hours and the garden is not perfect but we hope you have sensed the tranquillity we are trying to create and have enjoyed sharing the ongoing development of our dream which is always a work in progress.
The lytch gate area is hedged with Camellia sasanqua “Setsugeka” and a bed on the eastern border edged with a miniature nandina and containing a row of Juniperus x media “Pfitzeriana Aurea”. It is backed with weeping Lilypilly which was planted at the same time as the opposite hedge of Lillypilly which is four times as high since it does not compete with huge gums next door. The lawn contains eight Gleditsia inermis. This lawn is the perfect spot for a marquee overlooking the sunken garden.
We both work long hours and the garden is not perfect but we hope you have sensed the tranquillity we are trying to create and have enjoyed sharing the ongoing development of our dream which is always a work in progress.