It takes a determined and optimistic gardener to attempt to make a garden in amongst the clay and boulders of Mount Tabor in Warwick, especially when all the advice says nothing much will grow.
As garden owner Sharon Shields remembers only too well, “Many people told me I was mad, but I knew the secret ingredients. Plants love to grow, and I love to grow them!”
And so she has. The expansive country-style garden at 29 Derain Drive, Warwick, has certainly proved all the naysayers wrong – and it is now opening to the public for the first time.
A riot of flowering perennials, including old-fashioned favourites such as salvia, penstemon, agapanthus, erigeron and iris fill beds under deciduous trees, including Chinese tallow trees, golden twisted willow and ornamental plums.
“I moved to Warwick from Rockhampton four years ago and have found the dramatic changes in seasons quite challenging, but very rewarding. I am now able to grow spring bulbs and annuals, and deciduous trees, which give me height and shade in summer and wonderful colour in autumn,” says Sharon.
“One of my favourite features in the garden is the beautiful ‘Lorna Doon’ rose, which drapes wonderfully over four wooden arches. This rose originated in Warwick and was first grown by Lorna Doon at Doon Cottage.”
As you wander the paths of this delightful garden, or enjoy a cuppa on the gabion sandstone chair, you will be amazed that this has all come together in just two years.
Landscape designer Clint Kenny, two local nurserymen, and Nathalia Broadhead from Broadcroft Design – who were all involved with the development of Sharon’s Garden – will be available to chat with visitors.
29 Derain Drive, Warwick will be open to the public on October 27 and 28 from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is $7 with under 18s free.
