Garden Road Trip: Adelaide

Adelaide’s roses are a treat in both spring and in autumn, and there is plenty more to discover in a city that loves its gardens.

Take a trip to the city of roses.

 

Photo - Robin Powell

 

Carrick Hill

Ursula Haywood’s love of flowers is remembered in the bouquets that fill the rooms of the museum that was formerly her home, and in the gardens that surround it. Among the treasures are two large rose gardens, one filled with Alister Clark roses. Carrick Hill is also the home of the Australian Museum of Gardening, and the Old Mole tool collection, so plan to stay a while.

 

Carrick Hill. Photo - Robin Powell

 

Beaumont House

Originally built for the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, this property is now the home of the National Trust. Volunteers have created a garden of colonial style. Paths wind through the plantings and past an aviary of brilliant canaries. Visit in spring to see the rare purple flowers of wigandia, forming a backdrop to pink poppies.

 

Beaumont House. Photo - Robin Powell

 

Museum of Economic Botany

This is a treasure house of botanic gems tucked into the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Displayed in the original 1881 building is evidence of the role of plants in human civilisation. As well as plant families and their products, the highlights include meticulously hand-painted papier-mache models of old apple and pear varieties.

 

Eating:

Andre’s Cucina

Authentic Italian served with traditional generosity but with modern styling. The polenta is the go-to dish, and most diners save space for the banana doughnuts with chocolate sauce.

 

Peel St Bistro

Vegetables are given the love they deserve in this buzzy bistro. The salads are complex and sensational, and the meat dishes come with ample, and always interesting, vegetable additions. Servings are big so bring friends.

 

Picnic

Pick up picnic goodies at Adelaide’s Central Market, right in the centre of the city, and head to the Botanic Gardens or to a seat under willows on the banks of the River Torrens. Claire Valley Riesling optional.

 

Related Articles