Garden Road Trip: Mount Wilson

Fill the thermos, grab a camera and head to the pretty village of Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains for peonies, lilac and a world famous wisteria collection. 

Windyridge

This lovely garden, can be enjoyed from its series of terraces, on a bench by the lake, on the sloping lawns, or by walking its many interesting paths. There's plenty to admire, from beautifully constructed vistas to intricate close ups of rare, cool climte plants. We love the spring treats of white waratahs and peonies in tones from white through pink to deep red. The owners, our friends Roger and Wai Davidson, offer free tea and coffee on the top terrace, so pack a picnic and spend some time.

Photo - Chris L Jones 

Merry Garth

Our friends Libby and Keith Raines have been making this garden together for 35 years. It’s a serene mixture of indigenous flora, local stone and exotics, many of them rare. In spring we love the big-belled fragrant rhodos. There’s a small rare plant nursery on the property, and Libby also sells her botanical illustrations and cards.

phone 02 4756 2121

Nooroo

Famous around the world for its wisterias, collected by Peter Valder, the garden also features hostas, lily of the valley and Japanese iris chosen to complement the showers of spring wisteria bloom. And as if that wasn’t enough spring swoon, there’s a gorgeous lilac collection!

phone 02 4756 2018

Photo - Lorna Ross

Eating

Stop off at Bilpin, on the way up to Mount Wilson, or on the way back, for morning or afternoon tea, or an early/late lunch. Our favourites:

Apple Bar – wood-fired pizzas and local cider, something more substantial, or simply something sweet.

Pie in the Sky - Graham Ross’ favourite stop in Bilpin!

Tutti Frutti – apple pie in the rose garden is hard to pass up.

Lochiel House in Kurrajong for morning tea and scones! Say G'day from us 

Text: Robin Powell