Open Gardens for Autumn 2026
Saturday & Sunday 18 & 19 April, from 9am to 4pm.
Bowral Gardens
‘The Woodland’ Bowral
(Catch the Shuttle bus from Botanic gardens carpark)
This romantic 3 acre hillside woodland garden surrounds a weatherboard cottage and outbuildings, some of which was built as early as the 1860’s. Drystone walls have been used extensively to create numerous terraces and courtyards. Meandering paths link the garden areas to the ponds, herb garden and orchard. The current owner has added significantly to the garden plantings over the last twenty years, all of which now sit harmoniously beneath the canopy of century old trees. Particularly impressive are the Plane trees which line the driveway and the very old Ash and maples.
The garden is being managed as organically and sustainably as possible with no pesticide or herbicide used.
Accessibility: The Woodlands is a steep, terraced garden with multiple steps which can make access difficult for Wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
Sarah & Geoff Cain’s garden 27 Shepherd Street Bowral
Sarah & Geoff Cain’s garden is a remarkable town garden devoted entirely to Australian native plants. Sarah’s passion for native species is evident throughout the property, including the thoughtfully designed nature strip, which showcases a diverse and beautiful selection.
A standout feature is the urban forest of mallee eucalypts (Eucalyptus gregsoniana) in the rear courtyard. This striking planting creates a unique sense of place, combining sculptural form, texture, and habitat value within an intimate urban setting. The garden is a superb example of how native plants can be used creatively and effectively in a town landscape, making it a must-see for native plant enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.
Accessibility: A level garden with woodchip and gravel paths. Accessible parking available.
Sarah Pitt’s garden 29 Shepherd Street Bowral
Sarah Pitt’s garden is a fascinating and stylish small town garden. It is a captivating example of how a small-town garden can achieve remarkable impact through thoughtful design. Despite its confined space, the garden masterfully blends colours, textures, and forms, combining native and exotic plantings into a harmonious and visually rich composition. Layering, contrast, and careful plant selection create depth and year-round interest, demonstrating how even modest spaces can feel abundant and immersive. This stylish and cohesive garden offers valuable inspiration and serves as a practical lesson in maximising beauty, diversity, and functionality within limited dimensions.
Accessibility: A level garden with some low rise steps. Accessible parking available.
‘Hopewood’ 201 Centennial Road Bowral
‘Hopewood’ is a 4.5ha garden surrounding the historic home built for Ben Osborne in 1884 and then later the country home of Lebbeus Hordern who established much of the garden we see today. A garden of mature trees, extensive shrubberies and intimate spaces it is now the home to Tim & Janet Storrier who continue to develop and expand the garden along with displaying their impressive sculpture collection. More recent rewilding of some areas has been undertaken to improve biodiversity, creating habitat and to aid maintenance. These areas have been allowed to regrow their endemic native spaces along with existing exotic species.
Accessibility: Extensive level gardens around the house and other buildings, with gravel and paved pathways. Lower areas accessed via steps. Accessible parking available.
Robertson Gardens
‘The Willows’ 9 Lemmons Road Robertson
A plantsman’s wonderland. 5 acres of rare and unusual plants growing in the deep red soil of Robertson has meant many trees and shrubs have grown to a huge size in quite a short period of time. The garden contains a vast array of Camellias, Conifers, Maples and Hydrangeas, all of which sit in the shaded protection of the trees and shrubs, some of which are historic relics over 100 years old. Dean is a bonsai enthusiast, and his display area of over 100 bonsais is extraordinary. Notable trees are the ancient Pinus radiata covered in epiphytic ferns, a huge Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree), Stewartia, Zelkova, numerous Oaks and lots of conifers, both as trees and groundcovers.
Accessibility: Generally level gravel and paved pathways. Some steps. Accessible parking available.
Ben Huon Manor 18 May St Robertson
James Salmond has built what can only be described as his very own English style castle which is nestled into the lush green landscape of Robertson. The Manor is surrounded by both remnant Yarrawa brush and a formally designed garden. Manicured hedges and lawns reflect the Georgian architecture of the Manor while the distant rural views are framed by large, mainly deciduous trees. All quite English.
Accessibility: Generally level gravel and paved pathways. Some steps. Accessible parking available.
