The home of Keith and Sue Hourigan was built in 1986 on the site of the original Branga Plains manager’s residence and a few of the initial plantings remain, such as elms and a crab apple, along with new ones which were established during the first twelve months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These include Silver Birch, Floribunda roses, Syringa vulgaris (lilac or common lilac), Photinia and Castwellan Gold.
Sue says that as ideas surfaced and her knowledge developed, a passion for gardening ignited and then the garden evolved and continues to do so.
The photinia hedge flanked the western boundary of the garden up until a few years ago when the fence line was moved further westward. Escallonia Red Knight and Buxus Faulkner were planted along the road side to form hedges and another garden bed built (and eventually extended) between the two old radiata pines and planted primarily with succulents and grasses.
A ‘ha-ha’ wall, built with rocks sourced from the property, defines the northern aspect of the garden while a meandering path and a grassed stairway link new with older areas. Several wheels and large pots are placed strategically and some shrubs clipped for added interest within the garden. A newly completed project is a feature gateway built from timber salvaged from a clearing sale.
A love for irises is evident as they can be seen scattered throughout the whole of the garden, but feature prominently on the north-western side – interspersed between Gleditsia (Honey Locust), Cotinus (Smoke Bush), Buddleja and Liriodendron (Tulip Tree) and framed by an effective Tradescantia hedge.
There are also several varieties of Clematis located around the garden.
A small dry creek bed was created to prevent wash out caused by the overflow from a downpipe each time heavy rain occurred. Sourcing a certain type of rock on the property for the project proved a challenge but with determination eventually some were found that would suffice.
The most recent addition to the garden is the pergola, with the desire to eventually have a canopy of wisteria creating an attractive space for outside entertaining. Adding an ambience to the area is gently flowing water from a simple water feature, with potted maples and clematis being an attribute as well.
Roses ,a small grove of silver birch and a short pathway give views of a decorative sundial and weather vane.
Overall, a garden reflecting a slightly eclectic style and, as an extension to the house, is based on several rooms with something different to see at every turn.
