Yengo Sculpture Gardens

Yengo Sculpture Gardens

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Posted 2017-05-03 by Irenke Forsythfollow
Mount Wilson in autumn and spring is amazing with a myriad of colourful trees and flowering plants. It is the place for visiting heritage gardens and one special place, Yengo, has the addition of some wonderful sculptures.



Yengo is an alpine garden featuring a variety of plants, including 136 year old trees (such as sequoia, Spanish cork and cedar of Lebanon), 400 year old Cyathea ferns, Californian redwood, English oak, Himalayan Deodar, Canadian maples, a Ginko Jurassic tree, Wollemi pine, magnolia, a weeping cherry blossom, a tulip tree, wisteria, waratahs and many more. One could say it is a multicultural garden, fitting for our country.



The land was first purchased by Jesse Gregson way back in 1877 and the gardens designed by then Director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens, Charles Moore, with the assistance of Government Botanist J H Maiden. Many pathways lead to secret spots for resting and admiring the surroundings. Waterfalls add to the beauty, along with the stone house that has been restored by current owners Peter and Ann Pigot.





The incorporation of sculptures adds interest for admirers of art. They are all bronze and the works of two artists – Judith Holmes Drewry and Lloyd le Blanc. Judith is responsible for the portrait sculptures whilst husband Lloyd has cast the birds and animals. These limited edition sculptures include peacocks, lyrebirds, brolgas, a dog, frogs and young children. Some are part of fountains and all are for sale with prices ranging from $1,700-50,000. The $50,000 price tag is attached to the magnificent fountain below, featuring the brolgas.



Another find in the garden surrounding this fountain area was some holly, which I have rarely seen au naturale. I love the glossy, spiked leaves and red berries of these shrubs that one mostly experiences as a non-living specimen in Christmas decorations.



Other noteworthy sculptures throughout the gardens are the figures resting, three maidens at a waterfall, the young girl reading a letter from her lover with a nearby boy reading Harry Potter, and the flute player in a pond. They all fit in well in each area as if they were real people enjoying everyday pastimes.





This sanctuary at Mount Wilson is a 2 hour drive from Sydney, in the Blue Mountains region. It is an easy day trip via the Bells Line of Road with the turnoff well signposted. An 8km drive from the turnoff takes you to the village centre, which is basically where the rural fire service is located. I travelled there during the autumn open garden weekend and a sausage sizzle was available but generally it is best to bring your own food and drinks as there are no shops. Not your normal village centre. Two main streets – Queens Avenue (where you'll find Yengo) and The Avenue – make it easy to navigate and find your way around.

The tranquil surroundings and sheer beauty within make it well worth a visit and a haven to escape to from our stressful lives. It is a photographer's paradise and there's no other magic like getting away from the big smoke.



Entry to Yengo is $10 per adult and $3 per child. It is open daily during autumn (April and May) and spring (October and November) or by appointment on 02 4756 2002.

#art
#blue_mountains
#day_trips
#gardens
#natural_attractions
#outdoor
#places_of_interest
#things_to_see
%wnsydney
103530 - 2023-06-12 10:45:40

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