Lisgar Gardens

Summer:

I am holed up at home with a leg injury, but before that I was fit enough to do
a walk to our local gardens reached by a bush track behind our home.

So lots of time for blogging. This time about Lisgar gardens, across the valley
from our place.

It is called 'Hornsby's Secret Garden'. In fact, if I had not tracked down what I
thought was a Lyrebird years ago, I would not have come across it even though I
lived so close.

These are historic gardens specializing in Camellia species, that are set on the
steep valley side. Along with the existing forest trees are many additional
colourful flowering plants and shrubs.

They were designed and built as pleasure gardens, there was never a residence
there.  A vision of the local Cotton family, and we also live directly across from
their glorious federation homestead, we live on their sold off land.

Paths meander down, all upper levels reinforced with some substantial stonework
retaining walls. The earliest stonework was of good quality craftsmanship. Latter
work not as fine.

There are features of fishponds, and waterfalls. A sizeable pavilion has been built
which can be hired for functions like weddings.

Earlier structures like a timber gazebo have gone, but there are benches and tables.

Signs of an original, old greenhouse are visible. A line of cement footings on a flat,
natural rockshelf. Garden archaeology, but it was crushed by a falling tree years ago.

Birds visit, some seasonal. I can hear the mournful cries of the Black Cockatoos...and
yes it was a Lyrebird all those years ago.

Then there are the resident Eastern Water Dragons.They elegantly, and regally sun
themselves near the amenities and gardener's sheds, sunbaking and smiling.

The year is punctuated by such events as The Teddy Bear's Picnic, the first day of Spring
walk by a local primary school, the aforementioned weddings, and a twilight opening.

A group called Friends of Lisgar Gardens assists with events and openings.

 The descent to the creek line, then a steep climb up to the base of the gardens. 

 The creek is peaceful and a calm shady place, except after torrential rains when we hear it rushing from our home. You cross the creek to continue the path to the gardens. 

 The new path and steps are well constructed with non-slip stair treads. 

A railing would be handy for the sharp incline. 

 A glimpse of a neighbouring home. The sumptuous studio of a famous Australian artist. 

 There are groves of old Camelias, not in flower this season but I will chronicle later. 

They provide shady areas for these benches and children play with the fallen flowers and petals. 

 This pavilion is a relatively new addition, sizeable with attractive sandstone paving. 

Nearby is an inclinator to help those with mobility issues to get down to this level. 

We hear the music, ceremonies, chatter and laughter drift across the valley to our house. 

 There are a couple of long, open lawn areas, but most of the gardens are 

meandering paths and steeper, with little bridges and more natural sections. 

 There was an old gazebo at the far end, and also an ornamental standard Cherry tree. 

They are both gone now. 

 The old infrastructures have needed to undergo repairs for public safety, 

and there are now new sections of sandstone paths and steps. 

 The Koi ponds are protected within a shade house structure. There are several
that flow into each other, and a little bridge. 

 Koi of all sizes, and gorgeous colours are swimming around, some old and large, some small. 

I observe a large one sifting through the silty bottom to feed. 

 A sweet little Water Skink on the bridge in the pond house. 

 An elusive bird, a female Bowerbird. 

Colourful plantings are the hard toil of the gardeners.

Incidental growth is everywhere, even clinging to rock faces.

Faded beauty of this Hydrangea.

The real stars of the garden, separate to the tree-sized, ancient camelia shrubs, 

are the diverse tree specimens themselves. Some are exotic, some are native.

They form the cohesive skeleton of the gardens. 

Some are so old they have passed, but still reach for the sky. 

We have witnessed helicopters lift some of them away. 

Textural details, lichens, bark, stone.

This tree survives, even with a massive hollow travelling up it's trunk.

Another clings cleverly to the rocks. 

An old birdbath nestled in amongst the camellias. 

The line on the stone. Where the historic glasshouse/greehouse once stood. 

The journey of the waterfall starts at the very top, as you enter the charming steel gates, 

then travels ever downwards for a dramatic steep spill into a final pool. 

It is your reward after you complete the hike down.  

The lower levels become more natural, less cultivated and contrived. 

Birds leave their calling cards. 

On leaving the gardens, I marvel at the engineering of this new trail and track 

with many, many steps. I could see it being built from my balcony. The hard, 

hauling work of the men bringing in fill, and timber and tools.

This area's houses date back to the 1930s, or earlier, so it is interesting to see the construction unearthing little artifacts like this quaint blue enamel chamber pot. Rubbish collections
came later too, behind our house we have found a domestic midden. 

Remnants of old, mish mash retaining along the adjoining properties backyards. 

Exotic plants and garden escapes. Some bush regeneration has been done. Much more to complete. 

We worked the section behind our house for many years. 

You pass the mighty, and the fallen, and you see how private, how hidden, 

the gardens are - screened from view. 

The trail is right behind our home, here is a glimpse of our property. 

Some shots of constructed paths and steps. See where the paths converge 

to make the trip to the gardens. 

Treeguards around new plantings in the reserve. 

Approaching from the other end, another trip with my daughter.