by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
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Visit
Mayfield Garden during one of the seasonal festivals to enjoy the full experience of 65 hectares of feature filled gardens. Originally purchased by the Hawkins family in 1984 as a 2100 acre sheep farm the property has grown to 5000 acres, 160 of which have been set aside for horticultural features. It has become one of the largest privately owned gardens in the world and is a magnificent work in progress.
Garden map (image JW)
The 15 hectare Mayfield garden is open 363 days a year with a distinctly different seasonal appearance. Mass plantings of camellias and rhododendrons, an impressive bluestone bridge, meandering pathways and extensive water gardens including waterfalls and a grotto are some of the features.
The stone bridge (image JW)
During the four seasonal festivals, the Hawkins family allows public access to their 50 hectare private estate and it is certainly worth the extra admission cost. The scale and beauty of the gardens are impressive and photographs don't do it justice.
Colour in the water garden (image JW)
Features within the family garden are a 1.4km hedge maze, bluestone chapel, aviary, potager garden, an amphitheatre and a boating lake. It is easy to spend hours admiring the beauty of the grounds and views whilst contemplating the amount of hard work that goes into maintenance.
The Chinese pagoda on the Hawkins Estate (image JW)
Within the gardens, adjacent to the parking area and ticket office, there is a cafe that serves regional produce for
breakfast and lunch seven days a week, as well as picnic packs, jams, relishes and produce. Plants are propagated on the property and can be purchased from the onsite micro nursery. The garden is available for
weddings, parties and special events and there is a dedicated
glamping area of 15 tents during the summer, autumn and spring festivals.
Scenes of the garden (image JW)
Please note that although there are some mobility friendly paths, in places there are quite a few stairs and the walkways tend to be cobbled and/or uneven. It is recommended that visitors wear covered flat soles shoes, bring sunscreen, insect repellent and be prepared for changes in weather conditions.
Water is important to the garden (image JW)
Picnics can be taken on the lawn near the Obelisk, well behaved and controlled dogs are welcome and children should be kept close as there are unfenced water features, trip hazards and you may encounter snakes and spiders on the paths and close to the stone walls.
A view from the top (image JW)
