• Saturday & Sunday

• Gates open 10am – 4pm each day

• Parking notes: Plenty of parking a short stroll away at the cemetary, take short walk up the footpath straight through to Nomchong St or park on Elrington St and walk down Nomchong St. For accessibility only, please park along Nomchong St, please be mindful of neighbours and foot traffic. Please note there is limited space to turn around at the end of Nomchong St and it is a dead end street.

Garden story

The garden of Gillamatong Vista is a project in patient planning, trial and error. Now in its fifth year of development, the garden is hitting its strides with bustling flowerbeds, a small but mighty orchard, and peaceful, leafy aspects for relaxation and enjoyment.

Undertaking their new build in a former paddock atop Braidwood Ridge, the owners conceived of their garden well before plans were finalised for the house. A home design that would accommodate life’s pleasures was key to the initial brief, with consideration for seating areas and nooks to dine outdoors, enjoy a drink or simply meditate on the ever-changing views of Mount Gillamatong. They knew however that the site’s sweeping views also meant full force Western sun and regular high winds –two of the most challenging garden considerations, on top of the need to optimise water use.

Fortunately the owners bring DIY skills and an attitude of scientific curiosity and experimentation to all that they do. The development of the garden combines careful research with hands-on learning to find what works best for the climate, the soil and the unique attributes of their location. The approach is test and see - some plantings just wouldn’t take, while others went on to wildly defy expectation. Homemade compost and green houses help it all along.

Inspiration was drawn from the grand old gardens of the Braidwood region. These references are evident in the front garden, with splendid lavenders interspersed with roses, arbours of wisteria and honeysuckle. A lush lawn aids in cooling and creates an inviting space for grandkids to play. On the Western boundary thoughtful tree and hedge plantings, along with rambling ground covers consider privacy and shelter while maintaining views and blending with the overall flow of the garden.

Arranged to circuit the house, Gillamatong Vista’s distinctly designed sections – some productive, some ornamental – offer a plethora of ideas for a modern town block garden and designs for modern living. The garden has also become an expression of community and the ways in which gardens can bring people together. The owners have welcomed plants as well as the generously shared insights and trade secrets from long-time residents and gardening experts. They are deeply grateful for these connections, knowing the garden is all the more successful for it.