By Derek Schlennstedt
Steeped in rich history, Lubra Bend is a magnificent country property with a resplendent garden that is filled with a range of beautiful and stunning flowers and incredible poignant architecture.
Now, in a rare open garden event, visitors are being offered the chance to catch a rare glimpse into the incredible sustainable landscape that has been owner Rosemary Simpson’s passion for the past 17 years.
Visitors will be left astounded by the intricate and delicate flowers and architecture that combine to make the garden, which has won several awards, an esoteric experience.
From the very first step onto the gravel driveway, visitors are treated to an imposing 30 tonne circular rock, which stands guard at the entrance. Beside it lies a pond covered in lily pads and other protruding plants which ripple and sway with the movement of the water from a cascading waterfall above.
The property is populated with many stunning rocks that showcase nature’s sculptural brilliance and another feature rock, ‘The Crucible’ sits below the pond, its naturally formed curves and bows, allowing it to form a perfect birdbath following heavy rain.
Each dividing segment of the garden is different, but perfectly maintained and thoughtfully created to ensure a winding and flowing experience.
The ground breaking dry garden design means the garden requires little to no water, and yet it is filled with the brilliance of camellias, gerberas and magnolias.
And yet despite the garden attractiveness, it is 86-year-old Rosemary Simpson’s passion for her camellias and her garden that shine above it all. On her tours you can hear her dedication and devotion to the garden and property for which she has toiled and worked on for over a decade.
With the help of world renowned architect Phillip Johnson, Ms Simpson turned the garden into a sustainable unique landscape that features native and exotic plants which rely on natural water sources.
When asked about what her her favourite part was, Ms Simpson simply said she enjoyed sitting by the top waterfall and listening to its delicate sound.
“I like sitting near the cascade at the top pond, looking at the water and hearing it run; there’s a lot of frogs and beautiful little sound all of which are quite wonderful and humbling,” she said.
Visitors can experience the majesty of Lubra Bend from 11am-3pm on Thursday 3 August, Thursday 7 September, and Thursday 5 October.
Guided tours are offered from 11am -1pm on those dates and cost for entry is $20.
