The Gardens

Restored to the original layout of the Arts and Crafts style garden with garden rooms, these extensive gardens begin at a formal entrance courtyard with central fountain surrounded by white carpet roses and box hedging.

Garden Map

Map showing the various garden rooms and recommended walking path through the estate

Garden Rooms

The entrance leads through a wrought iron gate to the restored Mercury garden consisting of varieties of pink, mauve and red roses and box hedging. Adjoining is a lawn area with original table and seat next to the Lutyens style goldfish pond. The large main lawn is situated outside the Drawing Room terrace and was designed for playing croquet or bowls.

Fountain in the Secret Garden

Sound Shell

Walled garden with seating area

Sunken Garden

Garden Features

Other garden areas include a chess garden, herbaceous borders, tennis court garden, a scented walk and knot garden, woodland, daffodil paddock, bluebell glade, oak lawn, temple garden and a native garden with stream.

Historic elements of the garden (dating to pre 1900) include the man-made lake fed by the Longwood Water Race, the Lutyens style rill and sound shell, and a Victorian sunken garden complete with an ornamental well. The lake is especially beautiful at many times of the year with its reflections, wildlife, waterfalls and bridges.

The Secret Garden

A recently added feature of the garden is the Secret Garden with a rill and fountain tucked behind a brick wall and glasshouses. This garden also contains the Summerhouse and an entertainment area.

Pathways through the gardens

Flora & Trees

A common theme running through the gardens are the naturalised hellebores, bluebells, giant Himalayan lilies, as well as rhododendrons, maples, magnolias and dogwoods. The woodland areas contain mature oaks, cedars, elms, ash, liquidambars, poplars, eucalypts, beech, linden, chestnut and weeping willows.

Mature woodland trees

Spring rhododendron borders

Orchard & Kitchen Garden

The orchard is now well developed and produces varieties of apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, feijoas, figs, persimmons, avocadoes, lemons, grapefruit, limes, mandarins, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, mulberries and medlars. The kitchen garden produces strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, redcurrants, gooseberries, raspberries, kiwifruit and boysenberries, as well as a selection of vegetables and cut flowers.

Daffodil orchard in bloom