Five acres of flower-filled and formal hills garden.

An avenue of mature trees leads into Drouin, revealing 5 acres of stunning, colourful and extensively planted gardens. In all, there are more than 1000 roses, so we can promise you a rose garden.

Shrub roses in all shades make a dazzling display, with added pizazz from the many climbers covering arches, arbours and a domed gazebo. It is difficult to decide on a highlight, but a favourite is a long line of Pierre de Ronsard roses clambering up pillars and draped along ‘rose swags’ beside the trickling water rill.

There is a white garden with box hedges, white roses and a stylish fountain. Arches covered with more roses form an allee leading to a well-placed seat. There are spacious areas of lawn, a pond, a bog garden, an orchard and a vegetable garden.

A beautiful walled English-style ‘picking garden’ is planted with pretty, old-fashioned plants, including delphiniums, foxgloves, Queen Anne’s lace, larkspurs, alstroemeria and hollyhocks.

New features include a Japanese-style area and a ‘prairie garden’ inspired by Dutch designer Piet Oudolf, which is still in the making. All have views across paddocks dotted with gigantic old gum trees.

The structures, statutory and formal features play a significant role in the classic style and are inspired by visits to overseas and local gardens. There is a strong emphasis on colour, and plantings include many salvias, iris, camellias, hydrangeas, a variety of shrubs, roses and over 15,000 bulbs! More than 500 trees, including conifers, deciduous trees and the orchard, add height and shade.

Drouin is on its way to becoming an iconic Adelaide Hills Garden!