Still Water is a beautiful, sprawling country garden built around towering natural red gums. Originally designed by Mary Skene-Kidman in 1959, the older parts of the garden strongly reflect her design, plant selections and colour schemes with Edna Walling influences at play in The Shrubbery.

The present owners Rick Paltridge and Cathy Hughes have each contributed to the evolving garden. Rick’s interest in Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned 20th century American architect, is skillfully exemplified in various stonewall creations throughout the garden, including a courtyard space known as the Pavilion. Cathy has converted the original mass plantings of iris and roses into perennial borders, adding lavenders, penstemons, valerian and salvias. Silver plants like artemisia, dusty miller, lamb’s ears, euphorbia and swathes of catmint along the garden edges provide contrasting colour and texture. The many deciduous trees add a lovely display of autumn colour.

Two flourishing wetland areas help support the native ecosystem of birds, insects and wildlife. Peacocks roam freely through the garden and there are several garden sculptures also designed and made by Rick.

In autumn the fruit on the trees in the small experimental quince orchard is a beautiful

golden colour and emits a floral-fruity aroma. Almost 100 trees including the sixteen fruiting varieties known in Australia have been espaliered and grafted onto dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstock. The orchard is sustainably managed with the emphasis on maintaining plant well-being, soil health and fruit productivity.

A large garden brimming with beauty, interest and diversity.

There will be regular tours of the orchard and the opportunity to purchase fresh quince preserves

and products. Coffee and food vans, wine tasting, plant sales including Diggers Club, peacock

feathers and related art works will add to the experience of the Quince Fair.

Each day award winning Adelaide artist Catherine Fitz-Gerald known for her beautiful still life images of fruit, will create a painting of the Still Water quinces.