This week we take a peak at the garden of Andy and Sally McCormack.

The Snowfields garden is an open country garden designed for everyone in the family, which includes three boys and seven dogs, to play and relax.

“When I arrived in 1985 the house sat in a paddock with two diseased fruit trees and lots of gum trees, some of which have been retained,” said Sally.

“Close to the house we have a large enclosed paved courtyard with Virginia creeper on a high wall which protects the house from south-westerly winds and a photinia hedge continues on from this wall offering further protection.”

From the courtyard a path leads through a clipped boxed hedge onto the lawn.

The whole garden can be seen from here taking in spectacular views of the ever-changing colours of the mountains beyond.

Taking pride of place is a large Blue Spruce.

“We have created rooms using lovely wide stone steps, old wooden gates, creative fencing, a wisteria covered pergola and rammed earth paths,” said Sally.

“I have also under-planted the gum trees with rhododendrons, azaleas and ground cover roses.”

Incorporated in this area is a native garden designed to attract the birds.

There are established trees of Manchurian pear, maples, ceanothus, silver birch and some large conifers with under-plantings of hellebores, perennials and many ground covers.

“An adventurous beginning to this year was developing a new section to the garden to satisfy our love of roses,” said Sally.

“A large mass planting of several varieties leads to a new pergola. And from there rammed earth paths lead you up a very steep section which is yet to be developed.”

Throughout the garden interest is further created with strategically placed features including fun faces, urns, water pots, statues and quirky little bits and pieces to delight.

The Walcha Garden Festival will be held on November 19 and 20.