History, Challenges and Rewards

The Southern Highlands of New South Wales have a long history as one of the most desirable areas to live, visit and garden within two hours travel of Sydney.

The desirability of the Highlands as a holiday retreat was established in 1881 when land was bought to build a vice regal residence outside Sydney for the governors of New South Wales that became the 'Hillview' estate at Sutton Forest. Holiday trippers have come to the guesthouses of the Highlands since the 19th century to escape the humidity and increasing congestion of Sydney and enjoy the wonderful views in the Morton National Park. The value of the area as gardening country was recognised in 1900 when Yates Seeds bought 'Invergowrie' at Exeter as a farm and trial grounds for seeds and bulbs.

Gardening, for those of us who have chosen to live in the Highlands, has its particular challenges and rewards: altitude, mist, frost and the opportunity to create gardens of surprising variety and interest. That is what this blog is about.


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Raised Seed, Cutting and Herb Beds


One of the best things we've put in recently (and it needs a coat of paint) is a raised garden bed. It's in two layers, underneath is a lattice shelf for terra cotta pots and trays.

I recommend it. It saves the back and provides a soft, continuous area for planting. Things don't dry out as much and are easier to tend. If you have limited space as I do, it's the Tardis of planters.

I grow kitchen herbs in it and start cuttings of box which are later potted up individually.

I can see a variation of the concept in a garden built in stone, as a low wall in a kitchen garden. What a useful and impressive feature it would be.
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