Region: Australia & NZ

Bathurst Spring Spectacular

The Bathurst Spring Spectacular features high quality cool-climate gardens, open from 9.30am to 5.00pm both days.

Bathurst is located 200 kilometres west of Sydney and can be reached in an easy 3-hour drive through the Blue Mountains.

There are regular coach, rail and air services every day.

While there is a good range of accommodation, bookings can be heavy at weekends – it is recommended that anyone visiting for the Bathurst Spring Garden Spectacular should confirm their accommodation requirements without delay.

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre can be contacted by freecall on 1800 68 1000. Their website is www.visitbathurst.com.au and their email address is visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

The Bathurst Spring Spectacular is managed jointly by the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club Inc, Radio 2BS Gold and the Western Advocate

Tasmania Lavender Harvest

DAY 1
Friday 2 Jan 15
Sydney – Launceston

Libby Cameron, your Ross Garden Tour leader, will meet you at Sydney Airport for the flight to Launceston. Our first stop is the picturesque Georgian village of Evandale. We’ll have time for lunch and a walk around this charming village before we visit Panshanger Estate, a historical homestead on the Macquarie River. This afternoon we’ll check in to our home for the next three nights, the lovely Peppers Seaport on the Launceston waterfront. We’ve arranged a welcome dinner tonight in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 2
Saturday 3 Jan 15
Bridestowe Lavender Farm

It’s all about lavender today! Endless fields of flower will take your breath away. We’ll enjoy morning tea and lunch under the grand oak trees in view of all that bloom at Bridestowe Lavender Farm at Nabowla. Here’s what Libby wrote on the blog after last year’s tour: “Just to set the mauvey mood on arrival, the long drive was lined with gorgeous agapanthus, and the café/shop was painted in a pale lavender hue. We were utterly thrilled at the sight that greeted us next – neat rows of Lavandula angustifolia curving across the gentle slope as far as the eye could see, with three big oak trees, and picturesque mountains beyond. We were such shutterbugs, each striving to get the perfect shot of this fabulous sight, but what we couldn’t capture was the fine aroma that floated on the warm January air.”
Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 3
Sunday 4 Jan 15
Tamar Valley

The pretty garden at Conmel Cottage on the banks of the Tamar River is our first stop today, then we find out all about seahorses at the remarkable Seahorse World. This is a unique breeding facility for seahorses, whose numbers are threatened around the world. Watching them in their pools is like watching a storybook come to life! After lunch at nearby Tamar Cove we’ll return to Launceston for a leisurely afternoon cruise on the Tamar River.
Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 4
Sunday 5 Jan 15
Launceston – Sydney

After breakfast we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight home.

 

Tastings Tasmania

DAY 1 Sunday 23 November 2014 Sydney – Launceston (D)

Meet Robin Powell at Sydney Airport for the flight to Launceston. This afternoon we’ll visit Woolmers Estate. This historic estate belonged to one of the three Archer brothers who so dominated the northern Tasmanian economy in the mid 19th century. We’ll tour the house and garden, and the fabulous outbuildings. Also in the grounds here is the National Rose Garden, which will be in its spring peak of fragrant flower for our visit. We’ll check in to our accommodation for the next three nights, Peppers Seaport. The hotel is on the marina where the three rivers that come together in Launceston – North Esk, South Esk and the Tamar – meet. We’ll have a welcome dinner tonight in the hotel.  Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 2 Monday 24 November 2014 Launceston (B/L)

We’ll get another side of the Archer family story this morning when we visit Panshanger. The property has been in the Mills family since the turn of last century. Maree Mills is a wonderful guide to the history of the estate and she’ll show us around her beautiful garden, and treat us to morning tea. Then we’re off to lunch at one of the state’s finest wineries, Josef Chromy. The 2011 chardonnay made here won World’s Best Chardonnay in Decanter’s World Wine awards last year. Decided if you agree with the judges when we taste the range, and choose what to enjoy with our lunch. We’ll be back in Launceston in time to catch the last cruise of the evening up the river to Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge.  Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 3 Tuesday 25 November 2014 Launceston (B)

Ginseng takes a long time to mature so Ziggy Pyka set up a salmon farm to make ends in the meantime. His intriguing setup is completely off the grid, and uses gravity to wash water through the fish ponds, and then through a series of wetlands that clean the water before returning it to the river. It’s a fascinating project – and the award-winning fish is delicious! Old Wesleydale is our garden visit this morning, where we’ll meet Scott and Deb Wilson who bought the 1830s property in 2001 and starting making a garden. You’ll love what they’ve done – especially the ‘elephant’ hedge in front of the house. We’ll lunch in Mole Creek, resisting dessert so we can indulge in the leatherwood ice cream at the honey shop in Chudleigh, the self-described village of roses. Accommodation: Peppers Seaport, Launceston

DAY 4 Wednesday 26 November 2014 Launceston – Hobart (B/L)

We leave Launceston this morning and head down the Midlands Highway to Hobart. Our first stop is at Oatlands, which boasts the largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings in Australia. We’ll have a quick tour, and enjoy scones and tea at Callington Mill. This wind-driven stone ground flower mill was an empty shell for most of the 20th century. But it is now operating again and our scones will be made from Callington’s stone ground flour. Lunch today is a visual and gastronomic treat! We’re off to a peony and vegetable farm. The Westons grow thousands of peonies, and they’ll be at their peak when we visit. The family also grows interesting vegetables for fine restaurants in Hobart, including their own café, Pigeonhole. Chefs from the café will cook lunch for us in the wood-fired oven in the garden. After lunch we’re visiting the neighbours, renowned sculptors Folko Cooper and Maureen Craig, who have made an unusual garden to show off their work. (Regulars at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will be familiar with this couple’s work, which dominates the sculpture show at MIFGS.) Folko’s background is as a chef – he started carving ice, not sandstone – and his chefly talents now find their way into his cider, made from apples grown on the property. Hobart chefs are keen to get the cider on their menus, but Folko keeps it for his own use – and ours, when we have a tasting this afternoon. Later we’ll check in to our Hobart hotel, The Old Woolstore, which is an easy walk to the waterfront or into the heart of the city. Accommodation: The Old Woolstore, Hobart

DAY 5 Thursday 27 November 2014 Hobart – Huon Valley (B/L)

We heading south today down the D’Entrecastueaux Channel and the Huon Valley. Our first stop is one of the country’s few sheep milk cheese makers, Grandvewe. We’ll taste their award-winning cheeses while admiring the amazing view over Birchs Bay. Our garden visit today is in the perfectly named village of Flowerpot! Claire and Bill Handbury have made a French-style garden on the edge of the river. The views here will make you want to move to Tasmania! After lunch in a sculpture garden, we’ll take the long way to the Huon valley to feast our eyes on the beautiful scenery for as long as we can. By afternoon tea time we’ll be at Willie Smith Organic Cider and Apple Museum, where they do a great apple pie! We’ll also have a cider tasting here and a tour that will explain the history and importance of apples to the Apple Isle. Accommodation: The Old Woolstore, Hobart

DAY 6 Friday 28 November 2014 Hobart – Richmond (B)

Richmond is a charming village on the river, with a thriving garden club. The club will put on morning tea for us this morning, and then take us on a tour of a couple of the local gardens. Then we’ll head back to Hobart, with free time to shop and explore. Accommodation: The Old Woolstore, Hobart

DAY 7 Saturday 29 November 2014 Hobart (B/D)

Salamanca market is synonymous with Hobart, and we’ll explore its nooks and crannies this morning. This is the place to find antique china, kitchenware and knickknacks, as well as art and craft by local artisans. After lunch we’ll look at art of a different kind at the phenomenal MONA. We’re going by ferry, which is a great way to arrive at this fascinating bunker of art. There’ll be plenty of time to explore before our coach picks us up and takes us further up the Derwent River to Plenty. The historic property here is Redlands Estate, built by the secret son of King George IV. Redlands was once the thriving heart of agricultural production in the region, and it is being revitalised by its new owners Peter and Elizabeth Hope. We’ll find out what they have in store, tour the gardens and convict-built outbuildings and irrigation channels, then narrow our focus to whisky. We’ll learn how whisky is made, what makes it taste different and taste some for ourselves. Our farewell dinner is in the distillery at Redlands Estate, where we’ll enjoy bread baked in the country’s oldest oven, as well as local produce skilfully prepared just for us by one of the city’s leading caterers. Accommodation: The Old Woolstore, Hobart

DAY 8 Sunday 30 November 2014 Hobart – Home (B/L)

Salamanca is the market for things, but for edibles the locals come to Hobart Farmers Market. We’ll join them this morning and pick up the delicacies we can’t leave the island without. There’s more opportunity to fill the carry-on luggage later this morning when we visit Littlewood strawberry farm, and pick ourselves a couple of punnets of sweet red berries. Our final treat is lunch at Frogmore winery, formerly Meadowbank Estate. With its views over the vineyards and the water and great food, the restaurant here has been a benchmark of fine dining on great Tasmanian produce for more than a decade. After lunch we’ll head to the airport, which is only moments away, and bags loaded with treats, regretfully farewell Tasmania.

Grand Gardens of the Hunter Valley, NSW

Indulge yourself on this special weekend break visiting the most significant and grand gardens of the Lower Hunter Valley.

Meet the creators who have spent years building their gardens with love, enthusiasm and skill.

Also enjoy wine tastings and canapes in the Pokolbin wine district, a gourmet lunch at the Old Bakery in Morpeth, and lunch at a special Hunter Valley nursery where you can partake of a little plant-based retail therapy.

Pick up point: Gordon Station in northern Sydney, at 8am Saturday; returning approximately 6pm Sunday. 

Natural Landscapes and Gardens of New Zealand

Day 1: Tuesday 11 November, Arrive Auckland

The tour begins in Auckland. Those travelling on the designated flight will transfer by private coach to the hotel. In the evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (Overnight Auckland) D

Day 2: Wednesday 12 November, Day excursion to the West Coast & Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
• Hynds garden, Piha, with landscape designer Trish Bartleet

This morning we depart by coach for the Arataki Visitor Information Centre, situated within Auckland’s largest regional park, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The Centre’s decks offer breathtaking panoramic views extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Inside, displays explain the history, flora and fauna of the region, accompanied by some beautifully carved Maori guardian posts.

We next journey to the wild and rugged West Coast. In Piha, landscape designer Trish Bartleet will show us one of her favourite gardens, Hynds Garden. Its contemporary design uses weathered steel and rocks to enhance the landscape and plantings that are predominantly native. The garden is not very large but is intensively planted and the spaces around the house are so designed to extend the illusion of broad boundaries. The house itself has been featured in numerous magazines, having won the New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene New Zealand Awards for Architecture in 2005. It enjoys a spectacular panoramic view over Piha Beach and the Tasman Sea.

After enjoying a ‘kiwi-style’ picnic lunch at Piha, we drive to Karekare to visit a magnificent rugged West Coast beach. You will have a chance to stroll through a glade of centuries-old, gnarled pohutukawa trees and along its unique black, iron, sands and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. The sea here has marvellous surf, some of the most consistently grand breakers in the world; the sea is seldom calm.
We travel back to Auckland through the Waitakere Ranges and the Cascades Kauri Park, where we pause for another walk through an area of untouched rainforest containing mature 1,000 year-old Kauri trees. Millions of years of physical isolation has led to the evolution of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna; 70% of its native plants are found nowhere else in the world. Our local guide will explain the native species as we walk amongst the park’s famous Kauri trees and giant tree ferns, observing its distinctive native birds. (Overnight Auckland) BL

Day 3: Thursday 13 November, Auckland – Warkworth – Coatesville – Auckland
• Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
• Omaio Garden
• Woodbridge Gardens
• Mincher Garden

Today we drive an hour north of Auckland to the Tekaku Peninsula, where we visit the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, a 2km route through a remarkable landscape of towering trees and plants, and abundant bird-life, built to showcase up to 30 pieces of contemporary sculpture by established and emerging artists.

Nearby, we visit Omaio Garden, owned by Liz Morrow, the Executive Officer of the New Zealand Garden Trust. ‘Omaio’ is the Maori word for ‘place of peace, quiet and tranquility’. Much of the planting in this garden is native, but it also incorporates other features such as a vegetable garden and an orchard. Liz will introduce her garden and will host our lunch.

On our way back to Auckland we stop at Coatesville where we visit Woodbridge Gardens. These are owned by Christine and Tony Peek who in 1991 began to transform bare 8 acre farmland into a space of plants, trees and flowers. The garden, which incorporates both native and imported flora, as well as water features, is renowned for its glorious vistas and it spring plantings which should be at their finest at the time of our visit.

We also visit Mincher, a semi-formal garden established (1995) on the site of market gardens. A white horse chesnut-lined driveway leads to the garden and ponds surrounding a Neo-Georgian family home. Within a framework of mature trees backed by native bush, Angela Spooner has established herbaceous borders, a formal parterre and a shrubbery with topiarised acmenas. Her favourite species include roses, daylilies and three varieties of ilex or holly. They form hedging as well as stand-alone specimens. A silver birch copse is under-planted with bluebells and daffodils. These provide early spring colour, augmented by daffodils around the cottage garden and ornamental cherries in the spring garden. (Overnight Auckland) BL

Day 4: Friday 14 November, Auckland – Whitford – Epsom – Auckland
• Ayrlies, Whitford
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Epsom Residence (Architect Ron Sang’s private residence; garden by Ted Smyth (TBC 2014)

This morning we visit one of New Zealand’s premier gardens, Ayrlies, located just outside Auckland in Whitford. Ayrlies covers nearly 5 hectares, with ponds, waterfalls, spacious lawns, mature trees, beyond which it offers constant glimpses of the sea. Traditional rose and shrubbery borders counterpoint tropical gullies, native outcrops, and arid gardens of succulents, all set amid stonewalls, summerhouses and many restful seating areas.

We return to the city to visit the Auckland Botanic Gardens. These gardens boast over 10,000 plants from around the world – a remarkable number for a garden that only opened to the public in 1982. Since then, the Auckland Botanic Gardens has been the recipient of numerous awards, particularly in the areas of conservation and education. After our visit, there will be time at leisure to allow you eat and appetising light lunch at the Gardens’ excellent Cafe Miko.
We next travel south of Auckland to visit architect Ron Sang’s private residence and garden at Epsom (subject to confirmation). The extraordinary ultra-modern house that Ron designed for himself is surrounded by a lush garden designed by noted New Zealand landscape architect, Ted Smyth. The house features a startling pool courtyard from which the lush plantings may be viewed through vast sheets of glass. Ron, who has a very fine art collection, has collaborated with Ted, arguably New Zealand’s most internationally renowned garden designer, since 1963. After viewing this powerful combination of fine garden and contemporary house architecture, we return to Auckland. (Overnight Auckland) B

Day 5: Saturday 15 November, Auckland – Hamilton – New Plymouth
• Hamilton Gardens
• Evening lecture: The Geology of New Plymouth

We drive south today, descending from Auckland to the Waikato Plain and thence to Hamilton, a city of with beautiful and extensive Botanical Gardens. After exploring the Chinese Scholars Garden, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the Italian Renaissance Garden, the English Flower Garden and more, we continue south to New Plymouth.

On arrival, we shall transfer to our waterfront hotel located at the centre of New Plymouth. This evening we meet our local host, Ross Eden, who will present a lecture on the unique geology of New Plymouth, whose volcano, Mount Taranaki (Mount Egmont) has created a distinctive microclimate, and inspired a number of Maori legends. Ross has over 25 years of mountaineering experience and has a wealth of knowledge on the New Plymouth area, having established over 20 new rock routes on Mt Taranaki and written three guidebooks on climbing within the region. (Overnight New Plymouth) B

Day 6: Sunday 16 November, New Plymouth Area
• Guided walk of Egmont National Park
• Pukekura Park

We spend this morning in the company of Ross Eden who will lead us on a walk along the slopes of Mt Taranaki to observe a progression of plant species and learn about the distinctive vegetation of this stunning natural park. We first drive to the North Egmont Te Wai Whaikato Visitors Centre, located in a historic camp house that housed a local regiment during the 1860 Taranaki Land Wars before being relocated to its present site, 960 metres above sea level. From here we walk along the “Veronica Loop Track” which climbs to approximately 1100 metres before descending again. The vegetation begins at lower altitudes with dwarf kamahi and montane totara that give way to tree daisy and leatherwood as we ascend. Along the track various mosses and ferns grow among turpentine, broom and tutu. We will also see orisia and tutukiwi (hooded orchids) that bloom in late spring.

Note: for those preferring a less strenuous walk, there is the option to follow one of the easier loop walks departing from the Visitor Centre and to enjoy some refreshments at the café while waiting for your fellow group members to return.

In the afternoon we shall visit one of New Zealand’s garden highlights, Pukekura Park, one of the country’s premier botanical gardens, once a treeless, swampy valley in 1876. The visionary Robert Clinton Hughes assured the passing of New Zealand’s Botanical Gardens Bill that enabled the park to be founded. In 1878 the main lake was formed, followed in 1884 by ‘Poets Bridge’, built from the winnings of a horse race. A bandstand (1888) and, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, a drinking fountain was unveiled (1897). The park was named ‘Pukekura’ in 1907, the name taken from the stream that runs through it. A fernery followed in 1928 and a waterfall in 1970. Pukekura Park’s Fernery and Display Houses offer stunning and inviting visual experiences all year round they are heated in winter, offering a sumptuous array of colour and texture. We shall visit the garden with the Park’s curator. (Overnight New Plymouth) B

Day 7: Monday 17 November, New Plymouth Area
• Pukeiti
• Oakley Garden, Manaia

The New Plymouth region is dominated both visually and ecologically by Mount Taranaki. The mountain is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world, rising 2,518 metres out of the surrounding plain, a mere ten-minute drive from the coastline. Mount Egmont National Park, which embraces both Mt Taranaki and the older, heavily eroded sister volcanoes in the nearby Kaitake Range, also features lush temperate rainforests. Over 50 rivers and streams flow down from the mountain and the whole region has an utterly unique botany. It contains a wide variety of vegetation, from sub-tropical semi-coastal forest in the Kaitake ranges to sub-alpine herb fields at an altitude of 1800 metres on the main cone. We shall explore the exceptional challenges and opportunities that this unique has to presented garden designers.

The jewel in the region’s crown is Pukeiti, New Zealand’s premier rhododendron garden, where over 10,000 rhododendrons and azaleas bloom within the magnificent rainforest covering the lower slopes of Mount Taranaki. The garden was established to regenerate an area that had once been logged; it was replanted with rimu and other podocarps. It is very large, with many tracks winding through the rainforest. Careful pest control has protected the garden, which now boasts a large number of native birds (eg tui, bellbird, pigeon, fantail, waxeye, cuckoo and whitehead). Mountain streams provide habitat for rare and endangered native fish. Special care has been taken to provide a colourful variety of flowerings throughout the year. In November the garden is alive with colour. Herbaceous plantings, alpines, primulas, hostas and thousands of bulbs dominate the garden until the giant Himalayan lilies flower in December. We shall lunch at Pukeiti’s Gatehouse Café.

After lunch we drive along the coast to Manaia, to the garden of Guy and Jenny Oakley. Jenny’s love of gardening, informed by a formal education in landscape design & horticulture, is expressed palpably in this large family garden. Although only 2km from the coast, this well established shelter provides a haven from the elements, with garden rooms linked by hedge-lined paths. Features include cottage style plantings, early flowering roses, a vegetable potager and stunning hanging baskets. (Overnight New Plymouth) BL

Day 8: Tuesday 18 November, New Plymouth – Wellington – Blenheim
• Puke Ariki Museum, New Plymouth
• Allan Scott Winery, Blenheim

This morning we shall make a short visit to the Puke Ariki museum with its fascinating exhibits displaying the natural history of this region, and how it has shaped the history and culture of the New Plymouth area. This ground-breaking knowledge centre combines a library, museum, research and visitor information centre.

We shall next transfer to New Plymouth Airport to fly to Wellington and transfer to our flight to Blenheim on the South Island. From our base in Blenheim we shall explore the beautiful landscapes of the Marlborough region, at the northeast corner of New Zealand’s South Island. This region is blessed with the more hours of sunshine than any other in New Zealand, and as a result it is here that we find both magnificent gardens and a vast number of vineyards, for which the area is famous. After disembarking, we shall drive to Allan Scott Winery for a wine tasting and refreshments, before proceeding to our hotel. (Overnight Blenheim) B

Day 9: Wednesday 19 November, Marlborough Region
• London Hill Garden
• Winterhome Garden
• Barewood Garden

Our first visit today is to London Hill, where Dennis and Barbara Burkhart have established a fine garden since 1998. Overlooking Lake Elterwater, London Hill Gardens enjoys magnificent views of Ben More and Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku. A lookout above the homestead also provides magnificent views. Exposed each year to the full range of climates, the garden reveals how havens can exist in the harshest environments. Here, beds of roses, lavender and catmint have been developed amidst old, well- established trees.

We will also visit the Winterhome garden at Kekerengu. Positioned on a cliff with dramatic views over the Pacific Ocean, Winterhome is renowned for its powerful design combining the classic cross axes with plantings of trees, shrubs and perennials. The garden features a rose garden with formal box edging, an orchard and a canal garden.
After lunch at Winterhome’s The Store café, considered one of the best eateries in the Malborough region, we will drive through the Awatere Valley to Barewood Garden. Owned by Joe and Carolyn Ferraby, this garden surrounds a rambling old homestead. Wisteria and old-fashioned roses frame its wide verandahs and mature trees surround its garden. Colourful mixed borders, a summer house, a formal potager, a pond with carefully tended water plants and sweeping lawns all combine to make this one of the premier gardens of the region.(Overnight Blenheim) BL

Day 10: Thursday 20 November, Marlborough Region
• Upton Oaks Garden
• Hortensia Garden
• Lunch at ‘La Verandah’ Restaurant
• Moritaki Garden

Today we continue to explore the Marlborough region. We start our day with a visit to Upton Oaks Garden, a beautifully restored romantic garden outside Blenheim. Upton’s showpiece is a knot garden in the style of the 17th century, where box hedges encase beds filled with colourful flowers.

Hortensia Garden, the next stop on our program, is the creation of artist Huguette Michel, whose French origins are expressed in the Impressionist inspiration of this lovely garden. We then break for lunch at ‘La Verandah’ Restaurant. This fine restaurant, located in a huge Victorian villa, is part of Huguette’s husband George Michel’s wine estate.
Peter and Andrea Forrest’s Moritaki Garden, situated at the foot of Withers Hills, is the third beautiful garden on today’s program. Dedicated solely to New Zealand natives, it nevertheless was designed by a Japanese gardener to express the traditional Japanese design principles of a water garden, in which a waterfall, stream and pond express the place of water in nature. (Overnight Blenheim) BL

Day 11: Friday 21 November, Blenheim – Punakaiki – Greymouth

Today we drive across the Marlborough Region to Greymouth on the west coast. This is one of the most sparsely populated areas of New Zealand. With the Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps to the east, we will drive through a series of beautiful National Parks to the seaside town of Greymouth where we shall spend the night. We drive through the Mount Richmond Forest Park and the Nelson Lakes and Victoria National Parks to the west coast of the island. We follow the ‘Coast Road’, one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. One of the scenic stops we make during the day will be at Punakaiki where the famous Pancake Rocks are located. These are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago, when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited on the seabed, then overlaid by weaker layers of soft mud and clay. The result is a fascinating rock formation that gives the appearance of vertical stacks of thin rocks. (Overnight Greymouth) BLD

Day 12: Saturday 22 November, Greymouth – Fox Glacier – Lake Moeraki
• Fox Glacier Lookout
• Evening rainforest walk, Lake Moeraki

As we continue our journey south we encounter classic west coast river- and forest scenery, rushing water, impressive bridges and tiny, picturesque towns. Hokitika was first settled in 1860 after the discovery of gold on the west coast. Composed of lovely old buildings, it still has the feel of a frontier town. The road south from Hokitika travels through farmland that constantly threatens to revert to wilderness; the beauty of the region’s rivers is raw and primeval.

Continuing south we arrive at Fox Glacier. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox. At 13kms, Fox Glacier is the longest of the awe-inspiring New Zealand West Coast glaciers. At its head, soaring peaks of over 3,000m dominate the horizon. This mighty moving river of ice falls 2,600 metres, on its journey from the base of the Southern Alps to the West Coast. New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers are unique and probably the most accessible glaciers in the world, as they terminate amongst temperate rainforest just 250m above sea level. So special is this mountain environment, that it forms part of the South Westland World Heritage Area.

We continue south to Lake Moeraki (meaning “to sleep or dream by day” in Maori) in the South Westland, where we spend the night at the peaceful lakeside Wilderness Lodge. It is surrounded by untouched rainforest with stunning views of the snow-capped Southern Alps. Owned by teacher Anne Saunders and biologist Dr. Gerry McSweeney, the lodge was set up to help protect the rainforests and share this extraordinary natural setting with visitors.
This evening we will be treated to a fine meal of whitebait from the river, seafood from the coast, game from the forest and fresh seasonal produce, while enjoying the peaceful view from the lodge’s Riverside Restaurant. The owners will then accompany the group on a short easy after-dinner walk to discover the rainforest at night and see its glow-worms and Morepork owls, as well as the Southern Cross and Milky Way. (Overnight Lake Moeraki Wildnerness Lodge) BLD

Day 13: Sunday 23 November, Lake Moeraki
• Guided walk – freshwater life of Lake Moeraki
• Guided walk – rainforest jungle & Fiordland Crested Penguins on Robinson Crusoe Beach
• Afternoon at leisure

For those who wish, today will begin before breakfast with a short excursion in which a nature guide will introduce to you the freshwater life of Lake Moeraki. You’ll see shrimps, snails, small fish and plankton that are the building blocks of life in the lake. A short walk through the rainforest and you’ll feed a colony of tame giant long finned eels.
After breakfast back at the lodge, there will be a guided walk through the rainforest jungle to the Tasman seacoast, where you’ll encounter Fiordland Crested Penguins on Robinson Crusoe beach. You will pass through a jungle-like temperate rainforest with forest bird life, vines, tree ferns and orchids. You’ll see giant kahikatea, rimu and silver beech. We reach Robinson Crusoe Beach and sit and watch from close up small numbers of Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguin) crossing to and from the sea to their rainforest breeding areas and chicks. Note: subject to numbers, there will be a less arduous alternative walk, which is moderately strenuous.

After our morning walk we shall have a reviving lunch of soup of the day, fresh foccacia bread, salads and a selection of meats at the lodge. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. (Overnight Lake Moeraki Wildnerness Lodge) BLD

Day 14: Monday 24 November, Lake Moreaki – Wanaka – Arrowtown – Queenstown
• Stuarts Garden, Wanaka
• Arrowtown (historic village)

This morning we depart Lake Moreaki for Queenstown. After a short drive along the coast, we arrive at a long one-lane bridge and cross over the Haast River into the settlement of Haast. Haast was once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works and it’s a town with a touch of the Wild West. We then leave the coast and drive past waterfalls and river scenery and climb up the Haast river valley to Haast Pass. The road snakes through the Aspiring National Park, and the vegetation becomes sparser as we travel inland. We shall then skirt the beautiful Wanaka and Hawea lakes to the lakeside town of Wanaka, where we will stop for lunch. We shall also visit Stuarts Garden, developed around the swiftly flowing Bullock Creek which is host to a number of tame trout. The creek edge has been planted with hostas, Japanese and Siberian irises, ferns, peltiphyllum and rodgersias. Rhododendrons flourish in the habitat and are at their best in early November. The garden also boasts hellebores, primu las, meconopsis, fritillarias, paeonies and deciduous azaleas and ornamental flowering trees. Woodland walks leadup to a secluded area with a gazebo and a tunnel house with tomatoes in season, special alpines and other treasures planted in troughs outside. Behind a 100 year old cottage, is a potager backed by climbing roses and beside it a blue and white border of old fashioned flowers which complements the blue and white exterior. Another potager shaped like the sun’s rays, nestles in front. A rock garden leads down to a shade house which contains connoisseur plants.

In the afternoon we skirt the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River to Queenstown. We will stop at historic Arrowtown, is a New Zealand gold rush town that faces the challenges of increased tourist visitation, development pressure and a desire to retain an historic character. Philip Blakely, a local Landscape Architect very dedicated to the well-being of Arrowtown, will help you explore this enchanting township this afternoon. Philip has worked in Arrowtown for many years and is well aware of these contrasting pressures. Through his own experiences and a presentation from the local National Trust over afternoon tea, Philip will reveal the philosophies that have directed recent works in the town and then lead a fascinating walking tour that not only highlights the excellent work that has been completed but also reveals something of the harsh conditions in which the gold-miners, especially those from China worked, by leading the group to the historic Chinese settlement at A rrowtown. (Overnight Queenstown) B

Day 15: Tuesday 25 November, Queenstown
• Routeburn Track &?Paradise Trust with Landscape Architect, Philip Blakely
• Blanket Bay Lodge with with Landscape Architect, Paddy Baxter

Today’s tour with Philip will assist you in understanding something of the location of Queenstown and help you to realise why this has become a place of pilgrimage for walkers, skiers and those who simply love the natural world. Following a drive through breath-taking scenery when Philip will discuss the challenges facing land owners and managers in this area, including the invasion of the land by Gorse and Pines, you will visit the Information Centre at the commencement of the world renowned Routeburn Track. Paths here are well constructed and easy walking and participants won’t have to walk far to enjoy the beauty of the Nothofagus forest with its associated avifauna. Birds here are fearless and you may be surprised to find them pecking at your boots. While binoculars aren’t essential, by having a pair with you you will be rewarded by viewing a wealth of local birds, many of them uncommon elsewhere.
Returning along the Routeburn Road you will re-cross the delta of the Dart River and head further up its valley to Paradise, a nineteenth century property now managed by the Paradise Trust. The scenery here is breath-taking and short walks will open up further scintillating views of snow clad peaks. The name ‘Paradise’ needs to be reserved for very special locations and it could not be more fittingly bestowed than in this case. A picnic lunch gives time to really appreciate and explore the property, its history and its scenery. We will also be met by our second guest Landscape Architect, Paddy Baxter.

Paddy is renowned in Queenstown for his dynamic approach to Landscape Design. He has worked on many of the most important sites in the queenstown area and revels in sharing his stories about his work with visitors. He is a most engaging host. Your first visit with Paddy will be to the exclusive hotel at Blanket Bay, booked out in its entirety by Bill Gates for Christmas 2012 and located on a prime position overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The hotel developer has recently begun a housing development in the surrounding hills and Paddy is involved as the Landscape Architect so exploration of recent garden work not only allows you to get a sense of New Zealand garden design at its best but also appreciate a new series of views.

Back in Queenstown the evening is at leisure. You might like to enjoy a visit to the Botanic Gardens directly behind your hotel before heading off for dinner (own expense). (Overnight Queenstown) BL

Day 16: Wednesday 26 November, Queenstown
• Millbrook Resort, Hills Golf Course and lunch with Paddy Baxter
• Remarkables Ski Area & Chard Farm Vineyard with Philip Blakely

Millbrook Resort, a few miles to the north-east of Queenstown is a beautifully planned golfing resort with which Paddy Baxter has been involved since its inception. His work here involves both broad scale and small scale, and while the contrast is significant, it proves Paddy’s ability as a designer. Gardens around individual homes are beautifully detailed and planted to compliment the cluster housing of the architecture.

Golf courses abound in this country but the Hills Golf Course is special. Built as a private course with family homes through it, this course has been used for major championships and not only provides for golf but also accomodates a sculpture park. Note especially the roof garden on the club-house that makes it fit so effectively in the landscape.
The rural land between Queenstown and arrowtown has been subject to considerable development pressure but clear planning guidelines have maintained its rural character. Paddy lives here and will explain the key issues to you on your way to lunch at his home. Views here are fabulous but so too the hospitality in a New Zealand family home.
Your last two visits this afternoon are contrasts but remind us of significant aspects of the economy of southern New Zealand. Accommodating skiing in New Zealand’s pristine mountain ranges has required considerable skill. Paddy has been involved in this as an ecologist, restoring the landscapes following the implementation of engineering works involved in water storage, sewerage treatment and construction works. Get ready to be chilled at the high altitudes in The Remarkables Ski Area but it is worth it to see a completely different aspect of a Landscape Architect’s work.
Finally, Chard Farm Vineyard allows you to enjoy a tasting of New Zealand wine in a charming location and with colourful gardens all around you. For younger participants the opportunity to bungee jump at Kawarau Bridge a short distance away is always available but for the majority the pleasure of a relaxing garden visit with Philip and the opportunity to appreciate the plants that will tolerate the cold winters of this part of the country will hold far greater appeal. (Overnight Queenstown) BL

Day 17: Thursday 27 November, Queenstown – Te Anau – Milford Sound
• Milford Sound Cruise

This morning we journey along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, through Kingston and Mossburn, to Te Anau, the hub of New Zealand’s fiordland region and the entry point to the Fiordland National Park. Along the way, we shall pass trout fishing rivers and high country scenery, and the small towns of Mossburn and Lumsden. From Te Anau we continue along the Eglington Valley to the Mirror Lakes, before following the “Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain”, past Cascade Creek and Lake Gunn to The Divide. We drive through the Hollyford Valley to the Homer Tunnel, a man-made tunnel cut out of the rock wall, to emerge into the Cleddau Valley, and on to Milford Sound.

This road is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary. The first part crosses relatively mild farmland, but then we’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings us into Milford Sound, an amazing twenty-two kilometre long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak (1,692 m). Just after 4.00 pm we depart for our overnight cruise of Milford Sound on board The Milford Mariner, which offers accommodation in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. On this luxury vessel, we shall cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. As The Fiordland National Park was made a World Heritage Area by the United Nations in 1986, it will not be possible for us to step on land. You may, however, wish to go exploring with the ship’s nature guide in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. (Overnight Cruise on Milford Mariner) BD

Day 18: Friday 28 November, Milford Sound – Te Anau – Queenstown
• Afternoon at leisure in Queenstown

We disembark this morning and return to Queenstown, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Queenstown Botanic Gardens. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner at one of Queenstown’s fine local restaurant. (Overnight Queenstown) BD

Day 19: Saturday 29 November, Depart Queenstown

Our tour finishes in Queenstown. Those travelling on the designated flight will be transferred to Queenstown airport for their flight home to Australia.

Canberra Floriade

DAY 1
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Sydney – Canberra (L)

Your Ross Garden Tour Leader, Carolyn Dwyer will meet you at Central Station Sydney for the deluxe coach journey to Canberra with garden pit stops on the way so keep your camera at the ready.
This morning we visit historic Glenmore House. This year marks Mickey and Larry Robertson’s 25 years at Glenmore near Camden on the outskirts of Sydney. The original farmhouse has been restored and the former cowshed, dairy and outbuildings repurposed and linked together by country style fences, hedges and gardens – a picture come spring. The heart of the garden is where Mickey and Linda Ross run their Kitchen Gardening School – the organic kitchen garden. Lunch will be delicious sandwiches by Mickey and will be served in the loggia overlooking the cherry blossom and perennial borders.
After lunch we call into another inspirational garden in the Southern Highlands. Red Cow Farm is a sophisticated garden, the results of 25 years of love and devotion by its owners Ali and Wayne. We love its monastic theme, enchanting stone walls, monastery garden and the Abbess’ Garden topped off with a rare collection of gorgeous flowers such as bleeding hearts and other unusual perennials. We will take a walk through the woodland, old fashioned roses and clematis, beech walk, lake, bog garden, orchard and kitchen garden.
We continue to the city centre of Canberra to our hotel for the next three nights, Crown Plaza Canberra.
Accommodation: Crown Plaza Canberra

DAY 2
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Canberra (B)

Our day to experience Floriade has arrived! Canberra comes alive with a million spring blooms at Floriade, Australia biggest flower festival. For 30 fragrant days in September and October, the garden beds of Commonwealth Park become canvasses for super-sized floral pictures. It’s a colourful seasonal addition to Canberra’s open green spaces and native gardens. Soak up the floral colour while browsing bustling markets and gourmet stalls and attending workshops and exhibitions.
Floriade’s flower beds depend on a million-plus flowers blooming on cue. This creative collaboration between landscape gardeners and nature takes careful planting and 18 months of planning. Tulips, irises, daffodils, violas, chrysanthemums, and daisies open their petals in bold designs which each year reflect a different theme. Some past themes have included ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll in Bloom’ and ‘Poetry in Flowers’.
Mid-afternoon freshen up for the much loved High Tea at The Hyatt, Canberra.
Accommodation: Crown Plaza Canberra

DAY 3
Thursday 25 September 2014
Canberra (B)

We are taken inside this morning to the courtyard gardens of Australia’s Parliament House. You’ve seen them on television news; they are secret spaces, well designed and beautifully planted. Our guide will explain the significance of the planting in particular the glorious collections of deciduous trees.
We will pass by the Australian War Memorial and Old Parliament House. Next stop we have time for the National Gallery, explore the art collections, sculpture garden and enjoy lunch.
Lastly we travel to the spectacular National Arboretum, borne out of the disastrous bushfire of 2001 where one third of the Himalayan Cedar forest was lost, for our guided tour this afternoon. We learn the significance of the new plantings which began in 2005, tree choice and history. The official opening took place last February. Afternoon tea is included.
Accommodation: Crown Plaza Canberra

DAY 4
Friday 26 September 2014
Canberra – Sydney (B)

After breakfast we journey back up the Hume Hwy to Sydney taking time to visit Tulip Time in Bowral, enjoy the bulbs at Corbett Park and spend time in some of the gardens opening for the festival. The townships of Bowral and Moss Vale turn 150 this year, both celebrating their Sesquicentenary Anniversary. Gardening is such a passion in cool climate Southern Highlands, with many plants unique to this area, so we will see rare and unusual plants and flowers. Our tour finishes late this afternoon at Central Station Sydney.

 

Great Southern Rail Adventure

DAY 1
Saturday 11 October 2014
Sydney – Adelaide (D)

Meet your Ross Tour leader at Sydney’s Central Station and hop aboard the Indian Pacific for our overnight journey to Adelaide. We’ll dine as the train heads west, and fall asleep to its rhythms. 
Accommodation: Indian Pacific.

DAY 2
Sunday 12 October 2014
Adelaide (B/L/D)

Wake as we cross the Darling River and skirt the shore of Lake Menindee before we make our first stop in Broken Hill. There’s time to take a tour or to wander on your own through the early morning streets of this fascinating town. Reboard the Indian Pacific for a leisurely breakfast taken as we move through red soil country, spotted with wildflowers. Slowly the desert gives way to fields of grain, and then to townships, and finally to the suburbs of Adelaide. It’s late-afternoon when we arrive at Adelaide Parklands Terminal. We transfer by coach to our hotel, the perfectly located Crowne Plaza. We’ll dine tonight in the hotel’s excellent restaurant, Red Salt. 
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Adelaide

DAY 3
Monday 13 October 2014
Adelaide (B/L)

We’ll have our first introduction to the wonder of South Australia’s rose-growing prowess this morning at the International Rose Garden. This garden is part of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. It is here that roses are trialled before their release onto the Australian market. Less well-known highlights of the Gardens include the world’s only Museum of Economic Botany, and an impressive storm water capture and treatment wetland. Lunch will be served in the Botanic Gardens.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Adelaide

DAY 4
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Adelaide – Barossa Valley (B/MT/AT/D)

Art and gardens come together today when we visit The Cedars, the family home of Hans Heyson in Hahndorf. Heysen’s studio is preserved as if he’s just stepped out for a cup of tea. We’ll also tour the house and hear its stories, wander through the garden, and explore the work of Nora Heysen, which hangs in her studio. When his daughter Nora showed an interested in painting flower still lifes, Hans gave the genre up, leaving the subject entirely to her. We’ll see the flowers they both painted growing in the garden, and explore the property where the great gums that Heysen is best known for still dominate the skyline. We’ll enjoy a morning tea here at The Cedars.
This afternoon we head into the lovely Barossa valley with an afternoon tea stop at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop before we check in to the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. All the rooms have panoramic views across the Barossa Ranges and Jacobs Creek vineyards.
Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Barossa Valley

DAY 5
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Clare Valley (B/L)

A feast of roses today when we travel into the Clare Valley to visit The Heritage Garden of world-renowned rosarian, Walter Duncan. Walter and his wife Kay are generous, knowledgeable and charming hosts. We’ll discover all kinds of ways to grow roses here: ‘Lamarque’ wraps verandah posts; ‘Mme Gregoire Staechlin’ hangs over the veranda; ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ perfumes an allee of arches; ‘Julia’s Rose’ and ‘Pierre de Ronsard’ are espaliered against galvanized iron and the wonderful French Guillot roses have a place of honour. Lunch will be served in the garden.
Return to the hotel with free time to enjoy the facilities of the Barossa Resort.
Accommodation: Novotel Barossa Valley

DAY 6
Thursday 16 October 2014
Barossa Valley – Adelaide (B)

We say goodbye to the Barossa this morning, and head first to a charming private garden with a small nursery attached. We’ll have free time to explore, shop and lunch in the pretty village of Hahndorf before we head down to Adelaide and the gardens at Carrick Hill. This grand Tudor-style house, built in 1930 by Sir Edward Hayward, is surrounded by wonderful gardens, including extensive rose gardens.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Adelaide

DAY 7
Friday 17 October 2014
Adelaide – Melbourne (B/D)

We’re up early this morning to catch The Overland to Melbourne. The train has recently been refurbished, and offers a comfortable, spacious and relaxing journey through rugged mallee scrubland, fields of golden crops, vast open plains and gently rolling hills. We’ll pass through classic Australian country towns including Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola and Ararat, before arriving in Melbourne late in the afternoon. We’ll transfer to our hotel, The Marriott, and enjoy dinner together in the hotel.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 8
Saturday 18 October 2014
Melbourne (B)

We’ll wander through Melbourne’s fine Botanic Gardens this morning with a passionate and knowledgeable Gardens guide who’ll bring the history of the gardens alive. We’ll finish up at the café on the lake, where the scones are some of the best you’ll find in the state!
This afternoon is free to explore Melbourne’s galleries and museums, or its fabulous shops and laneways.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 9
Sunday 19 October 2014
Mornington Peninsula (B/L)

Today we’ll visit two very different and contrasting gardens on the Mornington Peninsula. First, the award-winning Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. This garden is inspiring, educational, and stunningly beautiful. Lunch will be served in the Boonerwurrung Café overlooking the garden.
Cruden Farm is this afternoon’s treat. This is the famous garden of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, who came to Cruden Farm as a young bride more than 80 years ago. This much-loved garden is serene and subtle, much like the woman herself.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 10
Monday 20 October 2014
Dandenong (B/L)

A cool-climate adventure today when we retreat to the top of the Dandenong Ranges. Cloudehill is our destination. This arts and crafts garden of jewel-like garden rooms is set within woodlands of 80-year-old European beech, magnolias, maples and Himalayan tree rhododendrons. The planting combinations, garden room design, and horticulture, all overseen by owner Jeremy Francis, are inspiring. We’ll lunch in the restaurant looking over the gardens before we return to Melbourne.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 11
Tuesday 21 October 2014
Ballarat (B/D)

Lambley Nursery is set around an old farmhouse in the central Victorian Goldfields outside of Ballarat. Lambley is Australia’s leading mail-order, dry-climate plant specialist, and the gardens here are an inspiration. Our host David Glenn is an internationally recognised plantsman. You won’t believe the incredibly lush and colourful walled Dry Garden is watered only a few times a year!
On our way back to Melbourne we’ll stop at the charming spa town of Daylesford, which offers plenty of lunch opportunities, as well as some great shopping.
Tonight we’ll get together for a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Melbourne

DAY 12
Wednesday 22 October 2014
Melbourne – Sydney (B)

Back to Sydney today on the XPT. We’ll get a great sense of the country as we journey north through Victoria and on into NSW, rolling into Central Railway at 8pm.

NSW Spring Festivals

DAY 1
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Sydney – Bowral (MT/D)

Meet your Tour Leader Sandra Ross at Central Station, Sydney. Settle into your seat as we depart by air-conditioned motor coach for a spring treat. Our first garden is the inspirational Glenmore House. Hidden in a beautiful valley just beyond Camden, this Georgian house has been beautifully and imaginatively restored, with gardens to match. Our host is the vivacious owner, Mickey Robertson, who will show us around her complex of kitchen gardens, perennial borders and roses, then serve us homemade cakes and morning tea in the loggia. Trust us when we say you won’t want to leave! It’s daisy time at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens; paddocks of paper daisies stretch as far as the eye can see so we’ll call in on our way through to the charming village of Robertson, which sits on the edge of the Illawarra Escarpment. There is time to explore and relax over lunch and then we will head off to Bowral and Gibraltar Hotel, a country club and spa. Relax and freshen up for our Welcome Dinner tonight in the hotel.
Accommodation: Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral

DAY 2

Thursday 25 September 2014
Bowral (B/MT)

We treat you to a morning at The Kaya, the home of Elaine and Les Musgrave in Wildes Meadow. Elaine is a renowned botanical artist. She’ll show us her studio, and Les will show us the beautiful garden. Morning tea will be served in the garden.
It’s Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands, so we’ll tiptoe through the tulips in Corbett Park, Bowral, then enjoy free time to check out the shops and have lunch.
Another fine garden this afternoon, historic Moidart in Burradoo. While the rose garden and the cherries grab the attention, it is the mature trees, in fresh new leaf that give a special sense of place.
Accommodation: Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral

DAY 3
Friday 26 September 2014
Bowral (B/AT)

Chinoserie in Mittagong is our first stop this morning. Meet Dominic Wong, a passionate plantsperson who has created one of the finest gardens in the highlands. His glorious long borders will be bursting with new spring growth. The kitchen potager is exquisite, as is the stream garden of water-loving plants.
We’ll stop for a coffee and shop at Sturt Gallery which showcases the best of Australian contemporary craft and design, then explore the village of Berrima for lunch.
Red Cow Farm is our highlight this afternoon. From the road the garden looks deceptively simple, yet behind the gate is one of the finest gardens in Australia, with a sophisticated structure and complex planting schemes. Meet the owners, our good friends Ali and Wayne. Afternoon tea will be served in the garden.
Accommodation: Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral

DAY 4

Saturday 27 September 2014
Bowral – Canberra (B/MT)

A pretty tulip garden on a hilltop of Canberra this morning, with spring blossom trees overhead. We’ll enjoy a morning tea in this special garden then take a scenic drive to familiarise ourselves with the sights of Canberra before stopping at another charming private garden.
Accommodation:Crowne Plaza, Canberra

DAY 5

Sunday 28 September 2014
Canberra (B/HT)

Wear your best walking shoes today as we head to Lake Burley Griffin and Commonwealth Park to experience the national capital’s annual flagship event, Floriade. This is the largest floral festival in the Southern Hemisphere. The four-hectare site is filled with more than a million blooms in a variety of themed garden beds designed to fit within an overarching concept.
In the afternoon we’ll return to our hotel to freshen up for ‘High Tea’ at the Hyatt Hotel. The art deco Tea Lounge will be set with tables laden with petit fours, scones, macaroons, filo parcels, sandwiches and tiny glasses of white and dark chocolate panacotta. A perfect way to end the day!
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Canberra

DAY 6

Monday 29 September 2014
Canberra (B/AT)

Parliament House is our first stop this morning, where we’ll take a guided tour of its enchanting courtyards. These hidden spaces have been carefully designed and planted with a fine selection of trees, shrubs and groundcovers. You may have seen some of them forming the backdrop to television interviews – now see them up close.
We’ll stop in at The National Gallery Australia to explore some of the galleries and have some lunch, and then this afternoon we will see The Old Parliament House Gardens. These have been restored to their former glory, and enhanced with seating pavilions, pergolas and rose arbours.
Our final treat today is a guided tour of the National Aboretum, located at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin. This impressive site is home to 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. We’ll enjoy an afternoon tea here.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Canberra

DAY 7
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Canberra – Orange (B/L)

It’s an enchanting drive this morning as we enter the Lachlan Valley on our way to Cowra. Lunch will be served in the restaurant of the wonderful Cowra Japanese Garden. World-renowned architect Ken Nakajima designed the garden in 1977 as a copy of the first Japanese landscape garden built by the first Tokugawa Shogun in the 16th century. The Shogun had the garden constructed from drawings he commanded of Japanese geography from every corner of Japan and thus the garden became a landscape of Japan in miniature, a concept repeated at Cowra.
We’ll follow our garden tour with a visit to the site of the former POW camp and the cemetery. From Cowra we’ll travel into Orange.
Accommodation: De Russie Suites, Orange

DAY 8

Wednesday 1 October 2014
Orange (B)

Learn all about bearded and non-bearded iris this morning at a specialty iris garden and nursery in Millthorpe. There is free time for lunch and exploring in this charming heritage town before we return to Orange for a visit to Cooks Park and a private garden. There’ll just be time to sneak in a wine tasting as the afternoon fades.
Accommodation: De Russie Suites, Orange

DAY 9

Thursday 2 October 2014
Orange – Katoomba (B/L)

To Katoomba today with a lunch stop in Oberon to visit Mayfield Garden. This large cool climate garden started modestly enough within a 5000-acre working farm, but has grown to become an amazing garden with a six-acre water garden at its heart. We’ll enjoy a lunch in the garden, then continue on to Katoomba and the heritage-listed refurbished manor, The Carrington.
Accommodation: Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

DAY 10

Friday 3 October 2014
Katoomba – Mt Wilson – Katoomba (B/L)

Today we will be seduced by the timeless beauty of Mt Wilson. You’ll fall in love with the majesty, grace and scale of the cool-climate gardens here.
First stop is Nooroo, built and first planted by William Hay in 1880 when Mt Wilson was a ‘hill town’ where the aristocracy could escape the heat of Sydney. Owned by the Valder family from 1917 to 1992, most of the structure comes from this period, including the famous collection of wisterias, maples and rhododendrons. Now it has been maintained and expanded by Anthony and Lorraine Barrett who have breathed new life into this famous garden.
After a picnic lunch we’ll visit another quintessential mountain garden,Merry Garth. This is the passion of Libby and Keith Raines, who have created the garden over 35 years. We love this tranquil place, with its ever-changing view south across the mountains and deep valleys of the Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy rhododendrons, weeping maples, small alpines, hellebores, hostas and magnolias. There’s a small nursery with a huge collection of cold climate plants to purchase or just admire.
We’ll make an afternoon tea stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah. With sweeping vistas over the mountains and more than 40,000 native, exotic and rare plants, this garden is one of the jewels of NSW.
Accommodation: Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

DAY 11

Saturday 4 October 2014
Leura (B/D)

Today is opening day of the 50th Leura Garden Festival. What a celebration! We visit a selection of local gardens opening especially for this nine-day festival and make time to lunch in Leura and check out the shops and galleries. We’ll return to the hotel to relax before our Farewell Dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Carrington Hotel, Katoomba

DAY 12

Sunday 5 October 2014
Katoomba – Sydney (B)

We’ll make a lazy start to the morning as we prepare to return to Sydney.

 

Garden Cruise to New Zealand

ITINERARY

Day 1 Friday November 21, 2014 Sydney departure 
This afternoon we board the Holland America Oosterdam on this fantastic garden cruise to New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise Sydney Harbour and out through Sydney Heads.

Day 2 Saturday November 22, 2014 At sea
The morning will be free to explore the ship. In the afternoon we will have Garden Trivial Pursuit, dividing the group into teams to compete in answering garden questions. This is a great way to meet your fellow group members and there will be prizes for the winners.

Day 3 Sunday November 23, 2014 At sea 
We have a free day at sea today to enjoy the many facilities and activities aboard the ship. In the afternoon, Helen Young will give a talk on her career in horticulture and the media, and answer any questions you might have.

Day 4 Monday November 24, 2014 Milford Sound 
Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fjordlands National Park. New vistas mesmerise at each turn, towering Mitre Peak, rising 1692metres above the sound, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and fjordland crested penguins are among the wonders in this place of outstanding natural beauty.

Day 5 Tuesday November 25, 2014 Dunedin 
Arriving at Port Chambers this morning, we’ll be met by our private coach to travel into the city of Dunedin. Originally founded by Scottish settlers and known as the Edinburgh of the South, it features beautifully preserved buildings overlooking parklands. We’ll visit the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, situated in a fertile coastal valley above the harbour. Originally developed by Philip Brady in 1917, it has a collection of superb European trees from 1872, underplanted with azaleas and rhododendrons. Fuchsias and native ferns grow luxuriantly beside Russell Creek. Returning to Dunedin, we visit the historic Jacobeanstyle Olveston House, containing a treasure trove of art and antiques, set in an acre of garden.

Day 6 Wednesday November 26, 2014 Akaroa 
Today we call into the pretty village of Akaroa. Originally founded by the French, it is now a delightful town that still retains the ambience of France. We visit Grehan Lea, built in the 1850s and once the mill manager’s house, surrounded by a luxuriant cottage garden. At Potter’s Croft, we explore three acres of private country garden next to a gently flowing stream. There are roses everywhere, mixed with lush lawns, trees, wisteria and scented white Azores jasmine. Lastly, we visit the sculpture and mosaic art garden at Linton, built in 1880 and once the bank manager’s house. There are surprises everywhere in this garden, filled with marvellous plants among whimsical and flamboyant mosaic installations created by artist and horticulturist Josie Martin.

Day 7 Thursday November 27, 2014 Picton 
This morning we arrive in Picton, located in one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand, the top of the South Island, it is a quaint port town nestled deep in the Marlborough Sounds. We travel to the nearby town of Blenheim to visit Upton Oaks. Surrounding a 100-year-old Victorian homestead, this renowned garden comprises a series of rooms contained within a formal framework of hedges and walls. It has been recognised as a Garden of National Significance. Also designated a Garden of National Significance is Winterhome, which features bold, classical French lines and magnificent views of the sea. Sue and Richard McFarlane are well known for their gorgeous garden with its walled canal garden, formal parterres, pools, woodland and avenues.

Day 8 Friday November 28, 2014 Wellington 
Arriving in Wellington, the nation’s capital, we enjoy a private sightseeing tour of the main city sights, including the Houses of Parliament, known locally as “the Beehive”. At Mount Victoria, there are breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city, and we also visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, famous for its rose garden and begonia house. In the afternoon we travel to Masterton, where we experience a very different garden, Assisi. It is in a stunning location on the side of a hill, with wonderful views over the Wairarapa landscape from the architect-designed house. The dynamic owners made a decision to concentrate on natives to suit the climate, and have planted hundreds of grasses, flaxes, renga lilies and cabbage trees.

Day 9 Saturday November 29, 2014 Napier 
Today we visit the unique city of Napier in the Hawke’s Bay area. During our city tour, our driver-guide will provide in-depth information about the art deco architecture of the city. In February 1931, a large earthquake levelled almost all the buildings of Napier and raised the seabed by 2.5 metres, so the town was rebuilt in this popular 1930s style. We’ll see the National Tobacco building and many shops and houses that are fine examples. We continue with a visit to Trelinnoe Park, one of New Zealand’s finest woodland gardens. Under the shelter of large trees, a vast array of exotic and native species thrive. Plants from the Himalayan high mountains, and from semi-tropical areas of Mexico and Brazil, are grown in this extensive plantsman’s garden.

Day 10 Sunday November 30, 2014 Tauranga (Rotorua) 
We dock in Tauranga and travel to Rotorua to visit two gardens today. The 12ha Tikiteret garden, developed since 1987, incorporates a natural stream, established trees and bog plants including hostas, iris and primulas. Bridges cross the stream, which is lined with a collection of Japanese maples and cherry trees, while azaleas and rhododendrons cover the slopes beyond. We travel on to visit Classic Roses, a rose and perennial garden, which will be full of colour and fragrance. The owners will guide us around their garden as well as providing information on the care of roses.

Day 11 Monday December 1, 2014 Auckland 
Auckland is the largest city and commercial centre of New Zealand. Our morning tour of this harbour city takes in the main sights, including the Harbour Bridge, which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, and Mount Eden, for a panoramic view. At Ayrlies Garden, created from 1964 by Beverley and Malcolm McConnell, gardening is an art form. Covering 4.5ha, it is one of New Zealand’s finest and best-known gardens, incorporating three large ponds, cascading waterfalls, a rose garden, rockery, meadow garden and the stimulating “Lurid Border”. There’s also an adjoining 14ha wetlands reserve. This is a superb seasonal garden to which you will want to return.

Day 12 Tuesday December 2, 2014 Waitangi, Bay of Islands 
Our final stop is the spectacular Bay of Islands, one of the most historic areas in New Zealand and comprising of 150 scenic islands. We will have a sightseeing tour to Waitangi, including the Treaty House where the Treaty between settlers and Maoris was signed in 1840. In the Treaty Grounds, as well as stands of historic native trees, there is a small semi-formal garden planted to suit the period. Don’t miss seeing one of the world’s largest carved war canoes.

Day 13 Wednesday December 3, 2014 Tasman Sea
Today we will enjoy a relaxing day at sea. You may choose to attend an informative lecture, have a swim in the pool, indulge yourself at the day spa or just enjoy a book in a comfy deckchair.

Day 14 Thursday December 4, 2014 At sea 
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities available aboard Holland America Oosterdam. In the afternoon, Helen will host a trivia quiz based on our travels and experiences, to round off our journey.

Day 15 Friday December 5, 2014 Sydney, Australia 
This morning we arrive in Sydney. After breakfast we will disembark and the cruise will conclude.

Gardens and Historic Houses of Tasmania

Unfortunately this tour isn’t on this year but for a guide to all Tasmania’s finest gardens, see our Garden Travel Guide to Tasmania

 

Friday November 14, 2014 Launceston 
Tour members will meet in Launceston. This evening we will have a welcome dinner to meet Angus Stewart and Tino Carnevale.

Saturday November 15, 2014 Launceston 
Today we explore historic Woolmers Estate, home to the National Rose Garden of Australia. Covering two hectares, the garden provides visitors with a unique journey through the evolution of the rose. The garden is home to all the recognized rose families. We will also see the Heritage Vegetable Garden which houses heirloom vegetables and fruits, not commonly found today. We travel nearby to visit the historic gardens of Brickendon. First settled in 1825 by William Archer, it has been owned and farmed by the same family for over one hundred and eighty years.

Sunday November 16, 2014 Launceston 
This morning we travel to Highview garden nursery, stopping on the way at Ledgerwood to see the carved trees. This garden has two acres of well-designed cool climate planting. Later we travel to Clarendon, one of Australia’s great Georgian houses. It was completed in 1838 for wealthy wool grower and merchant James Cox. The house and gardens have been restored to their original condition. We return to Launceston for an evening at leisure.

Monday November 17, 2014 Launceston 
The morning is free for individual activities. In the afternoon we visit Panshanger, an elegant house and garden in the Greek revival style. The long entrance avenue and surrounding parkland are heavily wooded. A finely worked nineteenth-century iron gate opens to a flower garden full of roses. There is a unique pigeon tower positioned to be seen from the house terrace.

Tuesday November 18, 2014 Burnie 
Today we travel just out of Launceston to visit Entally House, the first National Trust house in Australia. Built in 1820 by Thomas Reibey, the house has an elegant garden set in forty-five hectares. We continue to Deloraine where we see interesting sculptures and art galleries. We visit Wychwood Garden and nursery designed with fluid lines and sensuous curves. Borders full of perennials, old and new species roses and grasses are found within these boundaries. There is also a productive fruit and vegetable garden and a heritage apple orchard.

Wednesday November 19, 2014 Burnie 
Today we travel to Stanley, stopping on the way to visit Table Cape Lighthouse. We continue to visit Allendale gardens, which has six acres of superb garden rooms. We travel to the Tarkine to visit Dismal Swamp a large sinkhole with unique vegetation. We have time to walk the counter levered walkways. Later we visit Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. Its unique design makes it one of Australia’s major rhododendron gardens. We will see over 22,000 rhododendrons and other select plants set among 11 hectares with a series of “countries” from which the wild rhododendrons originate, within authentic built environments.

Thursday November 20, 2014 Cradle Mountain 
Today we travel to the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park, an integral part of Tasmania’s World Heritage area. The region is characterised by rugged peaks and a wide range of glacial formations including glacial lakes, moraine boulders, scooped valleys and waterfalls. On arrival at Cradle Mountain we will visit beautiful Dove Lake and Waldheim.

Friday November 21, 2014 Hobart
Today we travel to Hobart, stopping on the journey at Ross, renowned for its convict-built bridge. We visit Prospect Villa and Gardens in Hamilton. This romantic, colour-blended garden is abundantly planted in a classic design and will become one of your favourites.

Saturday November 22, 2014 Hobart 
This morning we will have time to visit the famous Salamanca market. After this visit we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Hobart including a visit to the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens. We explore the many historic plant collections and the large number of significant trees.

Sunday November 23, 2014 Hobart 
In the morning we visit Crawleighwood Garden. This wonderful two hectare garden nursery is nestled in the picturesque hills at Nicholls Rivulet near Cygnet in the beautiful Huon Valley. The garden features lush rhododendron woodland and rainforest with myrtles, rare and unusual plants, a wide variety of deciduous trees including maples, meandering paths, stone walls and a Gondwanan arboretum. We continue to the top of Mt Wellington for spectacular views of Hobart. Over the last sixteen years Wilmar Bouman and Matthew Ryan have recreated the garden of the century old property Corinda. Many of the old trees have been relocated. Hedges have been grown to create rooms and in some cases double hedges have been grown. Other hedges have been sculptured to form Tasmanian animals. Within the rooms many different plants are grown to create a wonderful effect.

Monday November 24, 2014 Hobart 
Today is free for individual activity. Perhaps visit MONA Art Gallery.

Tuesday November 25, 2014 Hobart 
We walk to Constitution Dock today to board the boat to sail to Peppermint Bay. The coach will meet us at Peppermint Bay to drive through the apple growing area of the Apple Isle. We visit Anna-Maria and Bob Magnus, who are plant collectors: interesting perennials are grown for the nursery industry and the cut flower market. Set in three acres, the garden includes one of the finest borders of David Austen roses to be seen in Australia. The garden is full of fruit trees and berry fruit many espaliered to save space. Bob will press fresh juice for the group on his charming wooden press. This afternoon we travel to the Huon Valley to visit Eggs & Bacon Bay Cottage. The charming cottage sits on 0.2 hectares on the edge of the Huon River, a peaceful spot just up from Eggs and Bacon Bay, about an hour south of Hobart. Looking out across a magnificent sea of colour, it’s impossible to believe that there was no garden here at all when Anne Le Ferve moved in just before the Christmas of 2000. This evening we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate the enjoyable time we have had in Tasmania.

Wednesday November 26, 2014 Departure

Western Australian Wildflowers

DAY 1
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Home – Perth (D)

Meet your tour leader, Angus Stewart at Sydney Airport for the flight to Perth. Check in to the 5-star Duxton Hotel, which is located right in the centre of town. We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel tonight. Welcome dinner tonight in your hotel.
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel, Perth

DAY 2
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Perth – Hyden (B/D)

We travel from Perth into the Swan Valley and get a fascinating introduction to Australia’s indigenous flora at John Forrest National Park and Wheatbelt Botanic Garden. Then it’s on to Hyden for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Wave Rock Motel, Hyden

DAY 3
Thursday 11 September 2014
Hyden – Hopetoun (B/L)

This morning we’ll stand under the crest of a giant wave of rock! Over the last 2,700 million years the grey and red granite of Wave Rock has been formed into the shape of a cresting wave, 15m high. It’s a spectacular sight. Then it’s a spectacle of a different sort as we travel on to the southern coast through the wildflower hot spot of the Stirling Range National Park. We’ll see Bluff Knoll, Western Australia’s tallest mountain, and beautiful spring flowers around Lake Grace. We arrive in Hopetoun late in the afternoon, and settle in for a two-night stay.
Accommodation: Hopetoun Motel, Hopetoun

DAY 4
Friday 12 September 2014
Fitzgerald River National Park (B/L)

Ancient ranges, rocky hills, river valleys, estuaries and large inlets make for beautiful scenery – and a plethora of rare wildflowers. We’ll have a local expert to guide us around the area. After a picnic lunch, we’ll head to Ravensthorpe Range, home to the exquisite salmon gum and more spectacular wildflowers.
Accommodation: Hopetoun Motel, Hopetoun

DAY 5
Saturday 13 September 2014
Hopetoun – Albany (B/L)

We’ll search for melaleuca, conostylis, hakea, Qualup Bells, kangaroo paws and others, and picnic in their midst as we skirt the edge of the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Accommodation: Dog Rock Motel, Albany

DAY 6
Sunday 14 September 2014
Albany (B/L)

We’ll spend the day exploring Albany, with a visit to Whale World. This is on the site of Australia’s last whaling station, Cheynes Beach Whaling Station, which was decommissioned in 1978. We’ll also see Torndirrup National Park, on the peninsula that shelters Albany from the Great Southern Ocean. The park boasts some of the Rainbow Coast’s most extraordinary natural features.
Accommodation: Dog Rock Motel, Albany

DAY 7
Monday 15 September 2014
Mt. Barker (B/L)

We’ll explore the incredible Mount Barker region today. The rugged peaks, towering forests and lush rolling granite flats of the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks are some of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. There are more than 1500 species of plants in the Stirling Ranges alone and more than 80 of them are endemic, including the famous mountain bells (Darwinias). Hundreds of orchid species grow in this area and we’ll also keep an eye out for some of the 148 bird species that call this part of the world home, including electric blue fairy wrens, brilliant parrots and majestic wedge-tailed eagles.
The area is also Great Southern Wine Country, one of the largest of Australia’s wine regions, and we’ll have a chance to taste the local product with a lunch at Gilbert’s Winery.
Accommodation: Dog Rock Motel, Albany

DAY 8
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Albany to Pemberton (B/L/D)

Take a walk through the treetops this morning on a spectacular lightweight bridge through the forest canopy of the Valley of the Giants. These giants are Karri trees, a species of eucalyptus. Karri is one of the tallest trees in the world and it is only found in the south west of Australia.
We’ll picnic in Peaceful Bay, home to the world’s only endemic stand of red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) and more than 40 species of native orchids! Then it’s on to Pemberton, which is nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by towering old growth karri, jarrah and marri forests. You’ll have an opportunity to climb the 60-metre-high Gloucester Tree, which was once used as a fire watchtower! 
Accommodation: Pemberton Hotel, Pemberton

DAY 9
Wednesday 17 September 2014
Pemberton – Yallingup (B)

Augusta, on the lee side of Cape Leeuwin, is Australia’s most south-western town. Large numbers of humpback, southern right, and pygmy blue whales migrate through these waters from late May to October each year. The best vantage point on land is the historic lighthouse on the tip of Cape Leeuwin. And that’sFrom here we’ll look not just for whales, but at the area’s spectacular coastline, and at the the intersection of two of the planet’s great oceans – the Indian and Southern Oceans.
Accommodation: Seashells, Yallingup

DAY 10
Thursday 18 September 2014
Margaret River (B/L)

It has been just 40 years since the first vines were planted in the Margaret River region, but is already recognised as one of the world’s great wine regions. There are 200 vineyards and 90 wineries located here: we’ve chosen Hayshed Hill for a tasting and lunch.
Accommodation: Seashells, Yallingup

DAY 11
Friday 19 September 2014
Margaret River (B)

Nglili Cave is one of the best and most accessible caves in the South West. It features galleries of amazing stalactites and stalagmites as well as other formations. We’ll take a guided tour and then walk to the top of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline. Fingers crossed for whales too. 
Accommodation: Seashells, Yallingup

Day 12
Saturday 20 September 2014
Yallingup – Perth (B)

First stop today is Busselton, where the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere stretches 1.8 kms across Geographe Bay. We will take the train to the Underwater Observatory 8m below the surface to see a world of vividly coloured corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. Then it’s on to Perth and back to the Duxton Hotel.
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel, Perth

DAY 13
Sunday 21 September 2014
Perth (B/D)

It’s festival time in Perth’s famous Kings Park. From its humble beginnings as a five-day event in 1965, the festival has blossomed into a program of floral displays, music performances, exhibitions, workshops and guided walks that runs for the entire month. The Park at festival time is a fitting spot to finish our tour. The 400-hectare Botanic Garden boasts more than 1,700 native species – and there are more growing in glasshouses. After exploring, we have a free afternoon to relax and freshen up for our Farewell Dinner this evening in the hotel. 
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel, Perth

DAY 14
Monday 22 September 2014
Perth – Home (B)

Transfer to Perth airport for flights home.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, & Ballarat

Day 1 Saturday March 22, 2014 Ballarat 
On arrival at Melbourne Airport we will be met by our private coach and drive to Ballarat. A welcome dinner is included this evening for tour members to get to know one another. Deryn Thorpe will outline the activities and program of the tour.

Day 2 Sunday March 23, 2014 Ballarat 
This morning we visit Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which covers an area of forty hectares divided into three distinct zones. The Botanical Gardens started in 1858 with a central area preserving the “Gardenesque” style of the Victorian pleasure garden. Located on the western shore of picturesque Lake Wendouree, a highlight of the gardens are greenhouses full of spectacular begonias. We enjoy a free afternoon in Ballarat. Perhaps take a stroll to enjoy the lavish gold rush architecture or visit the Ballarat Art Gallery, Australia’s finest regional gallery. History buffs can explore, a village set back in the Ballarat gold rush of the 1850s with gold mines, theatres, diggings, craftspeople and costumed street performers. Those that choose can have dinner there and stay for Sovereign Hill’s multimillion dollar Blood on the Southern Cross light show which tells the story of the Eureka stockade. Deryn will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 3 Monday March 24, 2014 Ballarat 
This morning our garden visit is to Stonefields, Paul Bangay’s spectacular garden developed using knowledge gained during 20 years designing gardens. This garden will be a highlight of our tour and includes stone paths that meander through garden rooms that open out to a spectacular country view. We travel to Daylesford for free time for lunch. Daylesford has an amazing array of boutique and unique shops. In the afternoon we visit the Tangled Maze and Mistydowns Nursery. We will have a tour of the gardens with a gardener. Tangled Maze is an unusual maze made up of thousands of climbing plants many with flowers covering its two meter high walls. There are mystery trails and puzzles. We will have time to browse in the nursery stocked with heritage roses, peonies and unusual perennials. We will return to Ballarat for an evening at leisure.

Day 4 Tuesday March 25, 2014 Melbourne 
This morning we return to Melbourne for a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Experience the beautiful architecture of famous landmarks including the Melbourne Town Hall, St Pauls Cathedral, Victorian Parliament, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, the Tennis Centre and Dockland where we see Etihad Stadium. We also see the MCG and the Shrine of Remembrance in the corner of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. We finish at Queen Victoria Market for lunch at your expense. This historic landmark, is a tourist attraction and an institution for Melbournians. Open since 1878 it spreads over seven hectares. There will be time for lunch or shopping. The afternoon is free. Perhaps visit the National Gallery of Victoria or Spencer St Direct Factory Outlet. The tour manager will suggest restaurants for those not going to the theatre. We will organise tickets for a show at tour members’ expense when we know what shows are in the theatre.

Day 5 Wednesday March 26, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we visit the 19th Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, the biggest and best show of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Floral displays fill the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens. Surrounding the buildings are landscape displays created by some of Australia’s most talented landscape designers. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, is ranked in the top five flower shows in the world. While keen gardeners will want to spend all day at the show others may also take time to visit the adjacent Melbourne Museum. Tonight is a free night to explore Melbourne as you wish.

Day 6 Thursday March 27, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we travel through the picturesque countryside on the Mornington Peninsula to visit some of the best gardens in Australia. The region is also known for its beautiful coastline, wineries and food. We first visit the Australian Garden at Cranbourne, a spectacular landscape which has a dramatic red sand garden, rock pool waterways, Eucalypt walk and five exhibition gardens. We continue to Heronswood gardens, home of Diggers Seeds. We will have lunch at the Fork to Fork restaurant, where the vegetables and fruits served are heirloom selections picked straight from the gardens. This is followed by a tour of Diggers, who have Australia’s largest range of heirloom vegetables, cottage and fruit plants for sale. We continue to the Garden Vineyard, recently featured in Monte Don’s Around the World in 80 Gardens. We return to Melbourne and Deryn will meet those wishing to dine with group to recommend a restaurant.

Day 7 Friday March 28, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we travel to the Dandenong Ranges to visit two of Deryn’s favourite gardens. We first visit Cloudehill where a maze of stone walls and jewel like garden rooms are set within woodlands of historic cool climate trees. We will have an included lunch here as the food is as good as the gorgeous views. This afternoon we travel to Olinda, the garden of Phillip Johnson. Phillip’s spectacular design for Flemings Nurseries won Best Garden in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013. His home garden is just as striking and has a sustainable billabong that doubles as a chemical free swimming pool. Beautifully positioned walkways meander through the garden where it is hard to see where the bush ends and the garden, which features many indigenous plants, begins. We return to Melbourne for a farewell dinner on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The historic tram will drive us around the city where we can admire Melbourne’s quaint streets while enjoying a fine meal with drinks included.

Day 8 Saturday March 29, 2014 Departure
The morning is free for individual activity. We travel to the airport in the early afternoon for a flight home and the tour concludes.

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, & Ballarat

Day 1 Saturday March 22, 2014 Ballarat 
On arrival at Melbourne Airport we will be met by our private coach and drive to Ballarat. A welcome dinner is included this evening for tour members to get to know one another. Deryn Thorpe will outline the activities and program of the tour.

Day 2 Sunday March 23, 2014 Ballarat 
This morning we visit Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which covers an area of forty hectares divided into three distinct zones. The Botanical Gardens started in 1858 with a central area preserving the “Gardenesque” style of the Victorian pleasure garden. Located on the western shore of picturesque Lake Wendouree, a highlight of the gardens are greenhouses full of spectacular begonias. We enjoy a free afternoon in Ballarat. Perhaps take a stroll to enjoy the lavish gold rush architecture or visit the Ballarat Art Gallery, Australia’s finest regional gallery. History buffs can explore, a village set back in the Ballarat gold rush of the 1850s with gold mines, theatres, diggings, craftspeople and costumed street performers. Those that choose can have dinner there and stay for Sovereign Hill’s multimillion dollar Blood on the Southern Cross light show which tells the story of the Eureka stockade. Deryn will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 3 Monday March 24, 2014 Ballarat 
This morning our garden visit is to Stonefields, Paul Bangay’s spectacular garden developed using knowledge gained during 20 years designing gardens. This garden will be a highlight of our tour and includes stone paths that meander through garden rooms that open out to a spectacular country view. We travel to Daylesford for free time for lunch. Daylesford has an amazing array of boutique and unique shops. In the afternoon we visit the Tangled Maze and Mistydowns Nursery. We will have a tour of the gardens with a gardener. Tangled Maze is an unusual maze made up of thousands of climbing plants many with flowers covering its two meter high walls. There are mystery trails and puzzles. We will have time to browse in the nursery stocked with heritage roses, peonies and unusual perennials. We will return to Ballarat for an evening at leisure.

Day 4 Tuesday March 25, 2014 Melbourne 
This morning we return to Melbourne for a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Experience the beautiful architecture of famous landmarks including the Melbourne Town Hall, St Pauls Cathedral, Victorian Parliament, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, the Tennis Centre and Dockland where we see Etihad Stadium. We also see the MCG and the Shrine of Remembrance in the corner of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. We finish at Queen Victoria Market for lunch at your expense. This historic landmark, is a tourist attraction and an institution for Melbournians. Open since 1878 it spreads over seven hectares. There will be time for lunch or shopping. The afternoon is free. Perhaps visit the National Gallery of Victoria or Spencer St Direct Factory Outlet. The tour manager will suggest restaurants for those not going to the theatre. We will organise tickets for a show at tour members’ expense when we know what shows are in the theatre.

Day 5 Wednesday March 26, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we visit the 19th Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, the biggest and best show of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Floral displays fill the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens. Surrounding the buildings are landscape displays created by some of Australia’s most talented landscape designers. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, is ranked in the top five flower shows in the world. While keen gardeners will want to spend all day at the show others may also take time to visit the adjacent Melbourne Museum. Tonight is a free night to explore Melbourne as you wish.

Day 6 Thursday March 27, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we travel through the picturesque countryside on the Mornington Peninsula to visit some of the best gardens in Australia. The region is also known for its beautiful coastline, wineries and food. We first visit the Australian Garden at Cranbourne, a spectacular landscape which has a dramatic red sand garden, rock pool waterways, Eucalypt walk and five exhibition gardens. We continue to Heronswood gardens, home of Diggers Seeds. We will have lunch at the Fork to Fork restaurant, where the vegetables and fruits served are heirloom selections picked straight from the gardens. This is followed by a tour of Diggers, who have Australia’s largest range of heirloom vegetables, cottage and fruit plants for sale. We continue to the Garden Vineyard, recently featured in Monte Don’s Around the World in 80 Gardens. We return to Melbourne and Deryn will meet those wishing to dine with group to recommend a restaurant.

Day 7 Friday March 28, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we travel to the Dandenong Ranges to visit two of Deryn’s favourite gardens. We first visit Cloudehill where a maze of stone walls and jewel like garden rooms are set within woodlands of historic cool climate trees. We will have an included lunch here as the food is as good as the gorgeous views. This afternoon we travel to Olinda, the garden of Phillip Johnson. Phillip’s spectacular design for Flemings Nurseries won Best Garden in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013. His home garden is just as striking and has a sustainable billabong that doubles as a chemical free swimming pool. Beautifully positioned walkways meander through the garden where it is hard to see where the bush ends and the garden, which features many indigenous plants, begins. We return to Melbourne for a farewell dinner on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The historic tram will drive us around the city where we can admire Melbourne’s quaint streets while enjoying a fine meal with drinks included.

Day 8 Saturday March 29, 2014 Departure
The morning is free for individual activity. We travel to the airport in the early afternoon for a flight home and the tour concludes.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show tour

DAY 1
Tuesday 25 March 2014
Sydney – Melbourne (L/D)Ross Gardens Tour leader, Carolyn Dwyer, will meet you Sydney Airport for the flight to Melbourne. We’ll get straight into some bold design and planting inspiration at Cranbourne Botanic Garden just outside Melbourne. This is the Australian plant outpost of the Melbourne Botanic Garden. The second stage opened in May 2013, doubling the garden’s size. Cranbourne’s visual signature is the Red Sand Garden, a dramatic bowl of vivid red sand intersected by lines and dots of gravel and plants. We’ll lunch with a view of this brilliant piece of design art then take a tour with one of the Gardens’ knowledgeable guides to find out more. This afternoon we’ll check in to our hotel, the Marriott, which is perfectly placed to explore Melbourne’s great restaurant and bar scene. We’ve planned a welcome dinner in the hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel

DAY 2
Wednesday 26 March 2014
Melbourne (B)

We’ll spend the today at the Melbourne International Flower Show, which is staged within the world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens. Wear comfortable shoes because there’s lots to see – and bring the credit card because there are lots of inspirational buys too.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel

DAY 3
Thursday 27 March 2014
Melbourne (B)

This morning we’ll eat our way around the world on a Foodies Dream Tour of the Queen Victoria Markets. The Queen Vic has been Melbourne’s market since 1878 and on this tour you’ll meet some of the specialist traders, pick up some handy hints for selecting and using produce, and of course, taste plenty of culinary delights! We’ve left the afternoon free for shopping, or exploring the world-class galleries and museums of Melbourne.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel

DAY 4
Friday 28 March 2014
Melbourne – Sydney (B)

There is time this morning to discover the beautiful Melbourne Botanic Gardens – or do some last-minute shopping – before we transfer to Melbourne Airport for early afternoon arrival into Sydney.

 

Autumn delights – Southern Highlands, Bundanon & Canberra

Day 1 Sunday May 4, 2014 Bowral 
On arrival in Canberra, we will be met by our private coach and travel to Bowral. On the journey we stop at Red Cow Farm, a unique cool climate garden in the village of Sutton Forest. Developed around a cottage from the 1820s there are number of garden rooms; a cottage garden, a monastery garden, an abbess’s garden and many old fashioned roses and perennials. We continue our journey to Bowral, where we check into our hotel. A welcome dinner is included this evening for tour members to get to know one another. Jane Edmanson will outline the activities and program of the tour.

Day 2 Monday May 5, 2014 Bowral 
This morning we will visit Chinoiserie, a stunning garden in Mittagong. It features a potager garden, Hidcote lavenders, an alpine garden and herbaceous borders. We travel to the historic town of Berrima, where we have time for lunch and to explore the historic houses and interesting shops. On our return to Bowral the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame. The tour manager will offer suggestions of an interesting restaurant to those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 3 Tuesday May 6, 2014 Bowral 
Today we will visit majestic Quindalup, which holds a collection of rare trees and shrubs. The gardens were started in 1972 with an interest in kurume azaleas and rhododendrons. However, it is the rare conifers, spruces and firs that have become the focus. This is a garden for conifer connoisseurs with collections of beech, birch and maples complimenting the conifers. They will look wonderful with their autumn colours. This afternoon we visit another gorgeous private garden. Owned by James Fairfax, Reford Park was built in 1887 by Samuel Horden of department store fame. The Pool Pavillion with two pools was designed by Gilford Bell with a pool for swimming and one for lilies and goldfish. The Sundial Garden is planted with white agapanthus. It commemorates the wedding of James and Lucy Fairfax in 1907. We return to Bowral and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group and recommend a restaurant. After dinner Jane will give a talk to our group, the Southern Highlands Garden Club and Bundanoon Garden Club.

Day 4 Wednesday May 7, 2014 Nowra
This morning we travel to spectacular Bundanon. Purchased by Arthur Boyd in 1979, it was presented to the nation in 1993. Bundanon is a beautiful property situated on the Shoalhaven River and has been immortalised in the works of Sydney Nolan and Arthur Boyd. We will enjoy a guided tour of the homestead and Arthur Boyd’s studio. We continue our journey to Nowra and our hotel. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 5 Thursday May 8, 2014 Canberra 
Today we visit Bowylie Station homestead and garden, which was established during William Guilfoyle’s visit in 1860 when many trees including the Elms and Pines seen today were planted. The garden covering four hectares has recently been redesigned in the English style incorporating the best of the original garden. We continue our journey to Canberra. Depending on the autumn season we should be seeing some fine colour of deciduous trees that have been planted as street trees and avenues around Canberra. We will visit the Canberra Yacht Club for an included lunch. After lunch we will see the sights of Canberra from the water as we cruise around Lake Burley Griffin. We continue to our hotel for check in and the rest of the day is free for individual exploration.

Day 6 Friday May 9, 2014 Melbourne
This morning we visit the National Arboretum. Some of the highlights include the Canberra discovery garden, which explores Canberra’s unique climate, soils and geology and the National Bonsai and Penjing collection housing the finest miniature trees in Australia. There will be free time to explore the Arboretum, where autumn colours should be glorious, and to have lunch before continuing to the airport for those returning to Melbourne, including Jane. She will return to Melbourne for her radio programme. Other tour members will return to the hotel.

EXTENSION TOUR OF CANBERRA

Day 1 Friday May 9, 2014 Canberra 
We return to the hotel where the tour manager will suggest restaurants for dinner.

Day 2 Saturday May 10, 2014 Canberra
Tour members will have a guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia this morning. The possibility of a National Portrait Gallery came to the fore in the 1990s. An area of Old Parliament House was set aside to display famous portraits in Australia’s history. This collection grew too large for the space and the collection moved in 2005 to a purpose built building. We have free time for lunch before we continue to the National Gallery, which opened in 1982. There will be free time to explore the collection. Don’t forget to view Blue Poles, bought with much controversy during the time Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister. We will drive to the lookout at Red Hill to get a view all over Canberra.

Day 3 Sunday May 11, 2014 Canberra 
This morning we visit the Australian National Botanic Garden. It is a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia. There is also a collection of Australian plants threatened in the wild. The rest of the afternoon will be free for individual exploration.

Day 4 Monday May 12, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we visit the Australian War Memorial which opened in 1941 and houses an amazing collection of pictures, diorama, relics and exhibitions. We will have a guided tour of the highlights of the museum before travelling to the airport for flights home.

Autumn delights – Southern Highlands, Bundanon & Canberra

Day 1 Sunday May 4, 2014 Bowral 
On arrival in Canberra, we will be met by our private coach and travel to Bowral. On the journey we stop at Red Cow Farm, a unique cool climate garden in the village of Sutton Forest. Developed around a cottage from the 1820s there are number of garden rooms; a cottage garden, a monastery garden, an abbess’s garden and many old fashioned roses and perennials. We continue our journey to Bowral, where we check into our hotel. A welcome dinner is included this evening for tour members to get to know one another. Jane Edmanson will outline the activities and program of the tour.

Day 2 Monday May 5, 2014 Bowral 
This morning we will visit Chinoiserie, a stunning garden in Mittagong. It features a potager garden, Hidcote lavenders, an alpine garden and herbaceous borders. We travel to the historic town of Berrima, where we have time for lunch and to explore the historic houses and interesting shops. On our return to Bowral the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps visit the Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame. The tour manager will offer suggestions of an interesting restaurant to those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 3 Tuesday May 6, 2014 Bowral 
Today we will visit majestic Quindalup, which holds a collection of rare trees and shrubs. The gardens were started in 1972 with an interest in kurume azaleas and rhododendrons. However, it is the rare conifers, spruces and firs that have become the focus. This is a garden for conifer connoisseurs with collections of beech, birch and maples complimenting the conifers. They will look wonderful with their autumn colours. This afternoon we visit another gorgeous private garden. Owned by James Fairfax, Reford Park was built in 1887 by Samuel Horden of department store fame. The Pool Pavillion with two pools was designed by Gilford Bell with a pool for swimming and one for lilies and goldfish. The Sundial Garden is planted with white agapanthus. It commemorates the wedding of James and Lucy Fairfax in 1907. We return to Bowral and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group and recommend a restaurant. After dinner Jane will give a talk to our group, the Southern Highlands Garden Club and Bundanoon Garden Club.

Day 4 Wednesday May 7, 2014 Nowra
This morning we travel to spectacular Bundanon. Purchased by Arthur Boyd in 1979, it was presented to the nation in 1993. Bundanon is a beautiful property situated on the Shoalhaven River and has been immortalised in the works of Sydney Nolan and Arthur Boyd. We will enjoy a guided tour of the homestead and Arthur Boyd’s studio. We continue our journey to Nowra and our hotel. The tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group.

Day 5 Thursday May 8, 2014 Canberra 
Today we visit Bowylie Station homestead and garden, which was established during William Guilfoyle’s visit in 1860 when many trees including the Elms and Pines seen today were planted. The garden covering four hectares has recently been redesigned in the English style incorporating the best of the original garden. We continue our journey to Canberra. Depending on the autumn season we should be seeing some fine colour of deciduous trees that have been planted as street trees and avenues around Canberra. We will visit the Canberra Yacht Club for an included lunch. After lunch we will see the sights of Canberra from the water as we cruise around Lake Burley Griffin. We continue to our hotel for check in and the rest of the day is free for individual exploration.

Day 6 Friday May 9, 2014 Melbourne
This morning we visit the National Arboretum. Some of the highlights include the Canberra discovery garden, which explores Canberra’s unique climate, soils and geology and the National Bonsai and Penjing collection housing the finest miniature trees in Australia. There will be free time to explore the Arboretum, where autumn colours should be glorious, and to have lunch before continuing to the airport for those returning to Melbourne, including Jane. She will return to Melbourne for her radio programme. Other tour members will return to the hotel.

EXTENSION TOUR OF CANBERRA

Day 1 Friday May 9, 2014 Canberra 
We return to the hotel where the tour manager will suggest restaurants for dinner.

Day 2 Saturday May 10, 2014 Canberra
Tour members will have a guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia this morning. The possibility of a National Portrait Gallery came to the fore in the 1990s. An area of Old Parliament House was set aside to display famous portraits in Australia’s history. This collection grew too large for the space and the collection moved in 2005 to a purpose built building. We have free time for lunch before we continue to the National Gallery, which opened in 1982. There will be free time to explore the collection. Don’t forget to view Blue Poles, bought with much controversy during the time Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister. We will drive to the lookout at Red Hill to get a view all over Canberra.

Day 3 Sunday May 11, 2014 Canberra 
This morning we visit the Australian National Botanic Garden. It is a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia. There is also a collection of Australian plants threatened in the wild. The rest of the afternoon will be free for individual exploration.

Day 4 Monday May 12, 2014 Melbourne 
Today we visit the Australian War Memorial which opened in 1941 and houses an amazing collection of pictures, diorama, relics and exhibitions. We will have a guided tour of the highlights of the museum before travelling to the airport for flights home.

Collectors’ Plant Fair NSW

12th Collectors’ Plant Fair

 

Hawkesbury Race Club, Racecourse Road, Clarendon NSW, 8 and 9 April 2017

FOR SALE Unique, desirable plants, many edible, for Coastal and Inland gardens from dozens of Specialist Growers.

 

Speakers for 2017 to be confirmed

 

2017 RETAILERS

Plant Growers:

Addictive Nursery, NSW. (No. 5)

Growers of the stunning rare blue Hippeastrum (Worselya procera), bromeliads, tillandsia, heliconia, clivia, elks, palms and unusual gingers.

Alameda Homestead Nursery, VIC. (No. 6)

Judy and David are Australia’s largest growers of hybrid clematis, producing approximately 80,000 plants. New release clematis varieties will be on sale. Alameda Homestead Nursery also produces Wisteria, Mandevilla, Stephanotis, Phaseolus and Lavender.

Aloe Aloe, QLD (No. 10)

Flowering Aloes in beautiful colours, all 34 of these big flowering hybrid aloe cultivars will be available. Aloe are perfect in climates with winter rain and summer heat, making them great winter colour for the east coast of Australia.

Andy’s Rare Plants, NSW (No. 52)

From cool climate to sub-tropical South African and South America bulbs, orchids, trees, shrubs and climbers.

Antique Perennials, VIC (No. 31)

Matt specialises in rare perennials, alpines, and bulbs. This includes some remarkable Primulas, Epimediums and Geraniums plus a range of Prairie and Woodland species. A wonderful opportunity to find something great from a wholesale nursery not normally open to the public and a great chance to pick their brains!

Ausplants Nursery, NSW (No. 48)

Grafted grevillea, eremophila, emu bush, grafted gums, bush foods and other natives.

Australian Geranium Society, NSW (No. 14)

Species geraniums and pelargoniums by the living treasure Robyn Bible. Stay a while and pick her brains on this wonderful group of flowering plants.

Bamboo Creations, VIC (No. 57)

Bamboo specialist growing clumping bamboos at many different heights perfectly suited to the home garden. A large choice of bamboo to block out your ugly neighbours.

Bay Tree Nursery, NSW (No. 23)

Bill from Baytree grows cool climate hard-to-get perennials, trees and shrubs.

Bilby Blooms, NSW (No. 4)

Rare and unusual native Australian plants, including black grevillea.

Blooming’ Greenery, NSW (No. 22)

A large range of tropical shade tolerant plants such as clerodendron, fuchsia, hibiscus, justicia, strobilanthes, ruellia, sinningia, begonias and rare varieties.

Candybell Nursery, VIC (No 13)

Martin Ferrugia is a begonia, peony rose and South African Bulb expert. He is bringing a display of magnificent, large flowering tuberous begonias in full glorious flower. He also has peonies, Brunsvigia, Haemanthus, Boophane, Cane type and Rex Begonia, Lapageria and Streptocarpus,

Clover Hill Rare Plants, NSW (No. 9)

David Kennedy’s Clover Hill is a showcase of rare cool climate gems. With no room left, the avid plant collector and nurseryman has started a new garden over the mountains in Hartley. David grows fine cool climate perennials, woodlands, orchids, galanthus, trilliums, phlomis and salvias​. Oh and don’t miss his to-die-for, first time release Epimediums.

Club Creek Bulb Farm, VIC (No 56)

Growers of sensational liliums and dahlias. Adrian specialises in growing Liliums of all shapes and sizes. He will have on display a large range of garden Lilium bulbs includes some unique varieties, some he has bred himself and rare species.

Coachwood Nursery, NSW (No. 79)

The lovely Peter and Ruth Donnelly run the productive powerhouse Coachwood Nursery and grow a range of plants bang-on-trend! They’re easy, tough, rare, succulent, hanging and unusual treasures such as epiphyllums, Mistletoe cactus or Rhipsalis, stapelia, sedum, kalanchoe, euphorbia and tradescantia. All available from cuttings at unbelievable prices.

Country Farm Perennials, VIC (No. 15)

Growers of unusual and rare perennials, including exciting old favourites that have been impossible to find. Merryl and David have a tremendous amount of plant knowledge and are happy to offer advice for your home garden. Their plants cope with hot, dry, deep shade, sand, bog, blazing sun, biting frosts or nibbling rabbits! Big on colour and flower.

Darvall Nursery, NSW (No. 41)

Native bush food species, tea and coffee plants, waratah. Fabulous African violets too.

Delightfully Fresh Organics, NSW (No. 35)

Darren grows a huge range of organic herbs, rhubarb, garlic, fruit and vegetables. Great place to stock up on garlic cloves ready for autumn planting!

Drewitts Bulbs, VIC (No. 28)

Colin and Tim have a stunning collection of 60 varieties of tulips, daffodils and allium to name a few. Crocus, daffodils, tulips, fritallaria, erythronium, dahlia and other autumn bulbs. We love their Pleonie orchid, ixia and range of liliums.

Exeter Designer Plants, NSW (No. 46)

Cool climate favourites: clematis, daphne, dogwood, hamamelis, birch, cedars, spruce, firs, coryopsis, viburnum and witchhazels.

Feather Flower Brush, NSW (No. 40)

Daphne and botanically inspired stationery.

Florilegium Books, NSW (No. 39)

The garden bookstore.

Fong Ping Orchids, QLD (No. 20)

Phalaenopsis, cattleya, oncidium, plus special double adeniums and hippeastrum.

Forbidden Fruits (No. 2)

…are back again after missing last year’s show! Their nursery, established in 1981, grows a wide range of fruit trees, dwarf fruit trees, native bushfood, and edibles.

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, NSW (No. 45)

Treasures from the Gardens such as Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower); Alcantarea imperialis (metallic bronze form) from original pup stock brought back from Roberto Burle-Marx’s garden in Rio de Janiero; Alloxylon pinnatum (Tree Waratah); Begonia listada – compact shrublike evergreen begonia that thrives in heavy shade; Megaskepasma erthyrochlamys (Brazilian Red Cloak), large autumn/winter flowering shrub with vibrant crimson bracts in bold spikes held above huge, glossy, veined leaves; Plectranthus scutellariorides (Coleus) some great and unusual mixed colours.

Fruit Salad Tree Company (No. 65)

Kerry West has been multi-grafting specialty fruit to a high standard for decades. We welcome them to their first Plant Fair.

Gardening with Angus Stewart (No. 67)

A rainbow of kangaroo paws and native plant knowledge

Garry Reid Obscure Bulbs, VIC (No. 12)

Bulbs including albuca, arisaema, arum and galanthus.

Geranium Cottage, NSW (No. 73)

Geranium and pelargonium specialist, zonal, scented, species and the latest German arrivals.

Glenmore House, NSW (No. 58)

Meet Mickey Robertson and chat to her about idyllic and inspiring days in the country, kitchen gardening days, her botanically inspired special events and cooking days. You’ll never want to leave! Mickey will have her recently published book ‘The House and Garden at Glenmore’ and her usual Essential Kit.

Green E Roses, NSW (No. 47)

Modern and old world roses – heritage, bush, climbing, standard and weeping roses including David Austin’s, rugose and Mutablilis.

Green Gallery (No. 50A)

So much colour from one nursery! We welcome Justin to his first Collectors’!

Harland’s Nursery, NSW (No. 30)

Easy to grow and unusual cacti, succulents and bulbs.

Henry Doubleday, NSW (No. 61)

Unusual medicinal and edible herbs, heirloom vegetables, fruiting trees, salvia, comfrey and unusual cottage plants.

Hills District Orchids, NSW (No. 29)

Easily grown orchids, hoya, clivea, haworthia and pitcher plants.

Johnson Orchids, SA (No. 17)

Cattleya, oncidiums and phalaenopsis orchids.

Kawana Nursery, NSW (No. 19)

Orchids, fuchsia and hanging baskets with desirables such as Mexican Mistletoe (Rhipsalis), Tassel ferns, columnea, Medinilla, hoya, Lepismum, Donkey tails and night flowering cactus (Epiphyllums).

Kinspirit Iris and Daylily Farm, NSW (No. 11)

Tall bearded iris, Louisiana iris, daylilies and succulents.

Macquarie Native Orchids, NSW (No. 29)

Native epiphytic orchid species and hybrids.

Maple Springs Nursery, NSW (No. 53)

Japanese maple specialist, bonsai.

Melanquin Gardens, NSW (No. 55)

Shade-loving plants, fabulous foliages and stunning bromeliads.

Mistydowns, VIC (No. 51)

Heritage and modern roses, tree and herbaceous peonies and unusual perennials. Perennial and rose specialist. He stocks a beautiful array of plants and is keen to offer practical gardening advice. He also has an extensive range of fabulous Peony Roses

Mountain Herbs, NSW (no. 74)

Perennial kitchen and medicinal herbs, tea plants and edibles, grown in cool climate Katoomba

Ozbreed, NSW (No. 76)

Tough, hardy plants that are proven performers. Rarely available to the public, Look out for their Elite Herbs range with robust flavours that never fade.

Perennialle Nursery, NSW (No. 3)

Perenialle Plants is a mail-order nursery for tough plants. Living and gardening in Canowindra, Chris Cuddy grows frost and dry tolerant perennials. Most of the plants in his catalogue are from southern Africa, the Mediterranean and New Zealand. But he also looks for suitable tough plants from the Middle East, the Americas, and here at home.

Post Office Farm Nursery, VIC (No. 34)

Peter breeds superior forms of Helleborus x hybridus as well as growing a comprehensive range of the less commonly available Helleborus species and hybrids, including doubles. Post Office Farm Nursery grows from the best imported seed from the UK, Germany and the US. Hellebores are easy to grow, they flower in winter when colour is most valuable, and boast a wonderful variety of flower colours and forms, as well as providing evergreen foliage in the garden.

Planters Patch (No. 75)

We are thrilled to welcome Planters Patch for their first Collectors Plant Fair and are excited to see the treasures they bring. As local growers of interesting perennials and proven winners, they grow a range of Agapanthus hybrids, Echineacea, Sedum and Dahlia. An eye catching selection of ultimately collectible Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pewter Lace’, ‘Ursula Red’ and Wildwood Twist’).

Q Nursery, NSW (No. 55A)

Interesting heirloom shrubs, old time favourites and perennials like unusual lilac, pomegranate and Weigelia.

Rainbow Ridge, NSW (No. 21)

Stunning iris of all kinds. Bearded, Californian, Louisiana iris plus daylilies.

Ray Nesci Bonsai, NSW (No. 36)

Bonsai and accessories.

Secret Garden and Nursery, NSW (No. 50)

Edibles, hundreds of sun tolerant salvias and bee hotels. The Secret Garden & Nursery is a not-for-profit community garden and nursery set on five beautiful acres at the Western Sydney University campus in Richmond, NSW. Members of the community are welcome to use the gardens, enjoy the farmyard animals and purchase plants from the nursery

Seedscape Seeds (Stall no. 34A)

Subspecies, NSW (No. 49)

Boutique Nursery specialising in historic specimens from the Devonian period, look for unusual protea, banksia and hakea

Sun Valley Plants, VIC (No. 27)

Kay and Rod Pitt sell grafted Australian plants including gums, grevillea, banksia, emu bush and woolly bush in 3″ tubes. These include Adenanthos (woolly bush), Correa, Dampiera, Eremophila, Grevillea’s and a selection of ground covers. Sunvalley Plants Nursery also have a range of grafted Grevillea’s and tall standards and the new Acacia Dazzler on a tall graft.

Sustainable Natives, NSW (No. 77)

Best range of bush tucker plants such as finger limes, mint, lemons, bush tomato and black apple.

Sydney Frangipani, NSW (No. 68)

Frangipani fanatic Stuart Reiss has propagated plenty of interesting Plumeria hybrids in beautiful colours and super rare multi-grafted rainbow trees.

Sydney Wildflower Nursery, NSW (No. 88)

Dave Rose’s nursery in Heathcote is a wonderland of native wildflowers and bush foods.

Tas Daffodils, TAS (No. 26)

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, freesia, snowdrops and flakes, galanthus and fritallaria.

Tinonee Orchid Nursery, NSW (No. 24)

Flowering orchids, new release orchids and orchid accessories.

Underplants, NSW (Stall No. 72)

Collectible tillandsias and bromeliads.

Vaughan’s Native Plants, VIC (No. 70)

Grafted flowering Australian plants for the native garden enthusiast and stunning cottage garden natives.

Verdigris Fern Nursery, NSW (No. 54)

Exotic and rare ferns for all positions.

Wallis Creek Watergarden, NSW (No.16)

Need to select some new water plants for your pond or water garden? Stunning textured ponds, dancing light patterns, bird and fish life and a unique selection of lotus hybrids, hardy & tropical waterlilies, other water plants like the porcupine quill rush and green tree frogs. What a water wonderland. Water, bog and shade-loving plants, lotus, waterlilies, water chestnuts and gingers.

Weslor Flowers Plant Nursery, QLD (No. 25)

150 climbers and more than 40 hoya, rare shrubs and trees.

White House Nursery, VIC (No. 18)

Peter and Jess grow a fantastic range of unusual bulbs, plants and trees. Bulbs, shrubs, fruiting, scented, berries, perennials, specialising in autumn flowering nerines.

Yamina Rare Plants, VIC (No. 78)

This renowned nursery was founded by Arnold Teese and has been family operated for 60 years. Peter Tease has a huge range of collectible exotic trees and shrubs including conifers, magnolias, maples and arums. We are looking forward to welcoming Yamina Collectors for the first time.

Yamina Collectors Nursery, VIC (No. 33)

Cool temperate collectibles, trees and shrubs.

Yellow House Perennials, NSW (No. 7)

Mim Burkett is the plant collector and propagator for Yellow House Heritage Perennials the mail order perennial specialist nursery that grew out of her Nowra garden. Provide old fashioned pinks, penstemons, geums, achillea, cranebills, buddleja, salvia, anthemis and a large array of unusual seed purchased in Italy and UK.

 

Products:

Broadcroft Design, QLD (No. 62)

New to Collectors’ this year comes the creative partnership of Duncan and Natalia, the team at Broadcroft. Their sculptural Corten planter range is one of our fastest growing lines as it has the ability to be developed into sculptural pieces for landscapes, public art or corporate. 100% Australian made in their dynamic studio workshop on the Sunshine Coast.

Cornersmith Picklery, NSW (No. 81)

Pickles, jams, passata, preserves and delicious things from paddock to plate.

Cut Above Tools, NSW. (No. 32)

Quality garden tools.

Diggers Club, VIC. (No. 71)

Garden Club and organic seed company with the biggest range of heirloom seeds and plants, garden advice and Australian wide delivery.

Australian Institute of Horticulture. (No.64)

Industry body for Horticulturists

Heaven in Earth, NSW. (No. 37)

Quality garden items, tools and beautifully crafted pieces in glass, wood, slate and terracotta.

Botanica World Discoveries, VIC. (No. 38)

Boutique discoveries for discerning travellers.

Collectors Plant Fair Information Booth (No. 1)

Ask us where to find the plants you desire.

Garden Clinic, NSW. (No. 66)

The plant doctors are here to help! Graham and Sandra set up the Club 36 years ago to provide help for gardeners when they needed it. Now through their radio show, magazine, website, social media, helpline they help more gardeners that ever before.

Garden Clubs of Australia. (No. 43)

Join your local club today. Umbrella of 680 clubs around Australia.

Keeper & Hive (No. 44)

Future beekeepers and bee enthusiasts will get a buzz out of Keeper & Hive. First time fair exhibitors, they have a wide range of equipment, local bee products including honey, balms and waxes.

Metalscape, NSW. (No. 59)

Metal art and garden signage for the discerning gardener.

Swagman Sprayer, NSW. (No. 42)

Catch up with the Swagman! Battery operated robust garden sprayers for every garden. Makes spraying effortless, efficient and accurate – no more pumping.

Trade the Mark, NSW (No. 80)

Brainchild of multi-disciplinary creative Christine Mclean who is committed to the hand craftsmanship, working with textiles and ceramics. Each piece is handmade and intricately painted in her Sydney studio. We love finding the perfect piece to display of potted living treasures. We welcome Christine for her first Collectors Plant Fair exhibiting.

Tropical Garden Society of Sydney, NSW. (No. 69)

A friendly and knowledgeable tropical plant loving group to encourage your love of tropical plants and gardens.

Ross Garden Tours, NSW (No. 66)

Graham and Sandra Ross have been designing unique garden tours for plant-lovers for 36 years, they hand pick their tour guides that include garden experts such as Michael McCoy, Linda Ross, Robin Powell, Libby Cameron and Angus Stewart. Small groups and well thought out itineraries to beautiful places. Travel with friends.

Wired for Living, VIC (No. 60)

Barry and Lee run this inspiring Bendigo made bespoke handmade garden sculpture business. New forms such as Fig are created by spun barbed wire

Speaker Program for 2017 to be confirmed
Make a day of it at Collectors’: shop, chat, and be inspired by our speakers. You’ll need to pre-book via ‘Tickets’ and bring the receipt with you on the day. Be quick, seats are limited.

 

Speaker Sessions $35 per person per Session – book for a Speaker Session when you buy your prepaid entry ticket online – click the BOOK NOW button

Gippsland Rare and Unusual Plant Fair

Over 30 nurseries offering many rare and usual plants for sale at the Jindivick Public Hall, Jacksons Track, Jindivick Victoria, featuring:

  • The Jindivick Country Gardener
  • Hancock Bulbs
  • The Australian Bulb Company
  • Country Farm Perennials
  • Tek Marko Succulents
  • Post Office Farm Hellebores
  • Devon Tubestock
  • Tempo
  • Two
  • Tavistock Plants
  • Antique Perennials
  • Victorian Salvia Study Group
  • Garden Lilliums
  • Alamanda Homestead Nursery Clematis

There will also be food and coffee, plus tools and a range of garden related products

 

PLUS Open Garden – Broughton Hall – 9 and 10 April 2016

The Garden at Broughton Hall is in 2015, 19 years old. It started in 1996 from a cow paddock like all country gardens it has taken many years to develop to the stage it is now at. Initially a forest of some 300 Betula Pendula and Betula Nigra were planted in a 2 acre area of lawn at the front of the home, the gravel driveway winds elegantly through this dense forest that now completely blocks the view of Broughton Hall from the visitor until you reach the open area directly in front of the home. This simple planting is in direct contrast to the scene that greets the visitor when you walk around to the north side of the home. With a backdrop of the Tarago Reservoir, a terraced garden of 4 acres cascades down the slope towards the water. There is a central wide pathway punctuated by many steps leading down through the garden, but each level can be accessed without using this pathway and the many steps. Heavily planted with an amazing variety of plants which fill the banks with dramatic foliage, the formal rose beds with mass plantings of well over 1000 roses and the many areas to be discovered within the garden as the visitor wanders make this garden a delight to visit at any time of the year. Opening times are set each year to give the visitor a chance to see the garden at its best.