A lovely cool shady garden in an idyllic setting - peaceful, pretty and beautifully maintained

Lochness Lodge, a charming, white-painted cottage named to reflect the owners’ Scottish heritage, nestles amongst established trees in a picturesque Adelaide Hills valley.

The long driveway bordered with Manchurian pear trees leads down the hillside to the house, allowing enticing glimpses through the trees to the leafy garden, its extensive lawns, neatly trimmed hedges and the dam.

The many trees create areas of shade and the perfect micro-climate for the mature camellias and rhododendrons that make a dense green backdrop to roses and flowering plants selected to ensure colour throughout the year.  A favourite is a hydrangea that each year produces exceptionally large, deep-pink flower heads.

Paths bordered with drystone walls meander through the garden beds and a rocky winter creek is edged with giant tree ferns and lush shade-loving plants. Hedges and shrubs clipped into spheres provide structure and interest, and sculptures are placed throughout the garden. On the slope behind the house, a path and steps lead to a small rotunda – one of many spots to sit and enjoy views of the garden, the dam and its resident ducks.

In the edible garden, a greenhouse provides year-round produce and several raised beds are well stocked with vegetables and herbs.  There is a wide selection of fruit, and a small vineyard planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz varieties is ideally sited high up on the north-facing hill where the vines receive maximum sunshine. The grapes are picked, and a very drinkable wine is crafted in the Lochness Lodge garage-come-winery!