"The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place."
Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Come with me and I'll take you to a secret place. A secret garden, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. A place where surely the fairies dwell.
Go up those steps, open your eyes, and enter the enchanting world that is Fetherston Gardens!
History of the GardensFetherston Gardens is an urban parkland oasis tucked away in Weston Creek. The gardens were originally part of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) School of Horticulture that was located on the site. The school opened in 1974, and its gardens were named after the first and longest serving Head of Horticulture, Tony Fetherston, who inspired their planning.
The school closed in 2009, and the gardens ceased being a purpose-built educational facility. Then in 2010, the ACT Government set the gardens aside for use by the Weston Creek community.
Welcome to Fetherston GardensThe gardens are spread over 3.5 hectares, linked by pathways and trails. As you stroll along the paths, you'll come across many delights, including a small arboretum and woodland gardens.
There is a conifer grove, a refurbished pond full of aquatic life, a native garden, and a delightful herb maze garden.
You will also come across the secret garden!
Another feature of the gardens is the Gallipoli Garden. The flowers, shrubs and trees grown in this garden represent those from the site of the Gallipoli Battle during the First World War and include a lone pine, Gallipoli oak, rosemary, and Gallipoli rose.
You will also find comfortable seating, shelters, gazebos and picnic tables dotted at various points throughout the gardens, which are perfect for picnics, relaxing, or just sitting down and reflecting on the beauties of the gardens.
The gardens are open all year round and are intended for use by the whole community, not just for the exclusive use of one group.
When visiting, please keep to the designated pathways and trails and please respect the integrity of the gardens. Dogs are welcome; however, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the plantings.
Fetherston Gardens is maintained by a group of hardworking, dedicated Volunteers and the ACT Government. The Fetherston Gardens Friends hold regular working bees within the gardens to preserve, maintain and renew plantings. Working bees are held on the last Sunday of the month from 10am-1pm and the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10am-12pm. If you would love to help out, please email
[email protected] or check for updates on the Weston Creek Community Council website
here.
Fetherston Gardens is located on Heysen Street, Weston.
"And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles."
Frances Hodgson Burnett
