Every year in spring, private gardens in Mt Wilson open their doors for visitors to admire the fresh blooms of the season amidst cool mountain air. One of my favourite gardens is Sefton Cottage, owned by a lovely old couple who painstakingly cultivated the 30 hectare garden into what it is today.
I've visited Sefton Cottage both in spring and autumn, and both seasons have its own charms.
Sefton Cottage is located in Church Lane, Mt Wilson, about a 2 hour drive from Sydney. The owners request a modest donation of $6 per adult to enter their private gardens. All proceeds go to the Westmead Children's Hospital. They are open daily to visitors wishing to admire their beautiful property.
Sefton Cottage gardens is unlike other private gardens. Its charm lies in the simplicity and nature of the garden. You feel like you have stumbled upon a hidden magical garden, full of beautiful blooms and with a hint of the rough and wild terrain of the woods like the ones you see in kids fantasy movies.
It is not as carefully tended to, which is what you often get in public gardens with high entry fees. It feels more close to nature and less crowded, which adds to the isolated feel you get in a secret magical garden.
This spring, Sefton Cottage garden is full of cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, camellias and a variety of other flora. The highlight of the garden is the pond which is covered with flower petals from nearby flowering trees.
In autumn, the pond is covered with golden coloured maple leaves.
If you are after a unique garden experience, away from crowds and welcomed by the heartwarming hospitality of a couple who love what they do, then make a trip to Sefton Cottage.
