1857 Bylong Valley Way, Kandos Opposite Henbury golf course, just north of Kandos Pool
Starting with an almost bare landscape, Peter and Bonnie took into account drainage, soil, heat and frost in selecting and planting their two-acre garden. This has resulted in a flourishing mix of native, exotic, hardy and edible plants. They have created a waterwise environment through rainwater collection, extensive mulching and drip irrigation; and they source waste materials to fertilise their garden and create inspired garden art.
Wander through the native garden at the front and an extensive parkland at the rear, including an elf garden, unusual paths, unique garden art and numerous ponds. Feel free to amble into the sheep and chook paddock where you can peep into the propagation room and hot house.
Don’t forget to visit the extensive vegetable garden plots, the orchard and frost-sensitive room on the southern side of the house. And when you are tired, rest on one of the many garden seats.
Rae and Guy Sim built their house and began planting this sweeping nine-acre garden 12 years ago. Guy is the structural builder and designer and you will see his handiwork in water courses, rock culverts, climbing frames, stonework, terraces and well-placed, eye-catching sculptural pieces. Rae is the green-fingered artist, designing, planting and nurturing a spectacular range of trees (deciduous, fruiting and native) and bushes; as well as perennials, bulbs, succulents and annuals in pots, beds and paddocks. Their garden continues to evolve, relying on spring water pumped up to two 22,500 litre tanks sitting near the highway.
Meaning the spirit of the northwest wind, “Keewaydin” has its origin in the story of Hiawatha. Great location and first garden to visit for those travelling from Lithgow, Sydney or the Blue Mountains.
This is our fifth Kandos Gardens Fair and will not disappoint enthusiastic gardeners. The theme is “Every garden tells a story…” and we have a diverse range of wonderful gardens open for our visitors. Eleven town and country gardens will represent the Kandos Rylstone area – they range from iconic pastoral properties, to town gardens and even a Convent. Different gardens, different locations, different styles.
This beautiful parkland retreat of one and a half acres is a haven for wildlife. A mixture of native and hardy introduced species have been chosen for texture and colour and placed to suit soil and drainage, demonstrating a lovely mix of native and exotic in a waterwise environment. Bonnie and Peter are meticulous in their maintenance and enjoy the process of developing their garden. The raised home veggie garden is constructed from recycled water tanks and provides produce for delicious eating and home processing. There is a small hothouse for propagating seeds for veggies and native plants.
Situated on Dunville Loop Road, most of this garden was planted by Jim and Merran over the last 40 years including a 40 year old wattle at the entrance. It is the outlook (a surrounding landscape of paddocks, hills, and sandstone cliffs) as well as the garden, which establishes this as an Australian Country Garden. It features many native plants, including a patch of bush, with yellow box, Blakeley’s red gum and a grove of grey gums.
Some unique elements include a dry stone wall which was the inspiration for the Lizard Garden , and the “wedding rock” (three weddings have been held in this garden). There is a secret sunken paved garden with a still pond and peep hole and a water feature with ferns and gold fish A fully enclosed orchard with raised vegetable garden and chook run completes the productive area.
The house was built in 1938 entirely of concrete from the footings up.
Kandos Serviced Apartments is a low maintenance ornamental garden featuring white offset with pink. This garden without lawns was designed and planted in the last four years.
Mary’s garden design complements the two modern, serviced apartments she has built on the steep site. She was inspired by the idea of creating and urban creek bed to deal with site drainage.
Three Isa Browns thrive on scraps in their kit-built pen and chicken run (made from recycled materials). She has re-established the lawn, planted fruit trees and assembled a compost heap, vegetable gardens and rockery. Most of her vegetables, flowers and shrubs are now grown from seeds and cuttings. A pergola and garden setting are a central focus and there are several shady retreats to enjoy a cup of tea and watch the birds.
CWA Kandos Gardens Fair 2018 