Five years ago, Kathy Finigan, a horticulturalist with over 40 years of experience, decided to open her private garden at Wildes Meadow to the public. “The Secret Garden” near Robertson in the Southern Highlands soon became a popular wedding venue and its annual open days on the long weekend in October are a must do for garden enthusiasts.
The Secret Garden is not a planned or landscaped garden but one that has developed over the past 30 years, Kathy explained. “It is a gardener’s garden, lovely and calming to walk around with unique soil that is almost black like peat as it sits on a reclaimed swamp site.”
This type of soil is unique to Wildes Meadow, she said.
Kathy is looking forward to the open days as the garden will be spectacular. The highlight is the ‘Alpine Phlox’ a stunning Japanese ground cover that is mass planted to create a carpet of colours – white, cerise (dark pink), mauve, light pink, purple and candy stripe.
“It’s an outstanding plant,” Kathy said, "and really the main reason I started opening my garden.”
There are gravel paths to take you to different areas within the garden, which boasts numerous plant varieties, including wisteria, maples, hellebores, rhododendrons and more. Be sure to check out all the different areas.
Here's a teaser from the Secret Garden site.
The Fountain Garden
A replica of a formal English garden centred around a sandstone water fountain. A grand staircase leads down to the sunken garden which is the centrepiece of the space.
The Birch Walk
A showstopper in winter when the daffodils are in bloom. Be enchanted by the dappled light peeking through the birches projecting a fairy tale quality, winding paths, dark green hedges and lacy foliage.
The Cherry Blossom Walk
At its peak in spring, the cherry blossoms are magnificent. The path is lined with a variety of blossom and magnolia trees while your feet are brushed with the showstopper Alpine Phlox.
The Marquee Lawn
A lush green open space perfect for a large marquee or tent for a wedding or event.
The Wedding Gazebo
A white gazebo set against the edge of a man-made lake with stunning views across the lawn and the Cherry Blossom walk.
The Rose Lawn
A stunning collection of roses in bloom from November to April. Established trees create an intimate and rich backdrop.
The Wisteria Arbour
One of the most photographed and spectacular locations within the garden. Weeping wisteria, purple toned ground cover and long flowers weeping over an arbour.
Megan’s Garden
Spectacular in spring when the garden is in bloom in white and pink, surrounded by dark green hedges. The focal point is a majestic Chinese Weeping Elm.
Secret Garden Open Days
When: Saturday, 30 September and Sunday, 1 October 2023
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $10
More info: www.thesecretgarden.events