An early photo of the Convent gardens with formal hedges and garden beds.
Built in Spanish Mission style in the 1930s and home for many years to the Good Samaritan nuns, the Convent is a landmark in Kandos. The building was constructed with great care to detail and specifically built as a Convent with nun “cells”, a Chapel and Sacristy. A Grotto was added in the 1950’s. After the departure of the nuns in the 1970s, the building became a Presbytery for local priests until being privately sold in the last year.
A dated low maintenance canvas to build upon
The gardens, which were formal and well-tended by the nuns, became low maintenance over the last few decades and the new owner is now keen that the gardens do justice to the stately building and the Convent continues to play an important role in the community.
Whilst still finding its feet, the Convent gardens intend to balance productivity and industry with a relaxed country atmosphere and a long-standing heritage of roses. Very little of the original gardens are still in place, other than some old rose bushes. At the Kandos Gardens Fair, visitors will be able to view photos of the gardens throughout the Convent’s life. The new owner has inherited a blank canvas to build upon.
Baby steps to redesign the garden
So far, raised vegetable beds have been incorporated to support a keen cook, herbs have been added, which are a passion for the new owner, and the rose garden has been substantially supplemented. The Grotto has also been restored.
All these activities are understandably very new and will take some time to reap rewards. And much more is planned for the future.
The new owner is excited to be part of the community and participate in the Kandos Gardens Fair. Please say “Hi” when you visit and feel free to give feedback on the gardens as they begin to evolve.
The owner has a blog that you are welcome to visit or follow
The new raised veggie beds
CWA Kandos Gardens Fair 2018 