At the end of a path passing between 6 majestic Chusan palms lies the entrance to the Dutch Garden.
The term 'Dutch Garden' began to appear in England around the turn of the twentieth century to describe a geometric parterre which was filled with densely planted, colourful flowers often enclosed by clipped Buxus hedges or low walls.
The Dutch garden was renovated in 2007 with the removal of more than 40 trees and restoration of 6 Buxus-lined gravel lanes which radiate from a central circle. Sunlight filters through the canopy of exotic trees planted many years ago which include original oaks, a Feijoa and a weeping Cherry, which in spring drapes its white blossom over a carpet of vibrant blue Ajuga. Elsewhere, a Madron tree from North America with feathery red bark stands sentinel over drifts of flowering shrubs.
The many fragrances of the Dutch Garden are sure to revive the senses: lavender, pine, daphne, viburnum, lemonwood, mock orange blossom and boxwood among others. All the while the bellbird and endangered wood pigeon provide a soundtrack for exploration.