Mid-Mountains Garden Festival were proud to present nine open gardens in 2024.

These private gardens span from Linden to Lawson in the Blue Mountains. Their gates were open to visitors in support of their local primary school, Hazelbrook Public School.

Hazelbrook Public School’s P&C Association are grateful for the generosity of these garden owners.

Please consult our FAQs in the first instance for any questions.

Yarrawa | Woodford

Courtesy of Felicity Anderson & Dat Lieu

Nestled against the bush, this established garden teems with productivity and charm. Owned by a previous coordinator of the Festival when her children went to Hazelbrook Public School, her passion for gardening is evident. Pathways gently slope downwards through whimsical, repurposed decorations and hand-constructed beautiful dry stone retaining walls. Take a moment to sit on an old Woodford railway bench or relax beside the fire pit amidst the flowering fruit trees. Discover an oasis where native, productive and exotic plants intertwine in perfect harmony.

Felicity and Dat purchased their home from a previous Mid-Mountains Garden Festival coordinator back in 2001 and also became neighbours with long-time Festival participants Brian and Jo (of Tanglewood). With their kids attending Hazelbrook Public School as well, it made complete sense for Felicity to be involved with the Garden Festival from 2012-2014. Now with kids grown up, she opens up the gates to her own garden in support of the school. In their ever-evolving garden, Felicity draws on inspiration from the beautiful gardens that she works and plays in, while Dat has a vital role in the heavy lifting.

Tanglewood | Woodford

Courtesy of Jo Gardiner & Brian Kirkby

Tanglewood stands as a stalwart presence in the festival. It has been captivating visitors with its timeless cool climate beauty since its first open garden with the Festival in 1994. Nestled on the side of a hill, this enchanting garden showcases delicate azaleas and elegant camellias, flourishing alongside weeping maples and ancient bush rocks.  Winding paths beckon visitors down through lush ferns, past tranquil ponds to the edge of the bush beyond.  Looking back, the alluring garden frames the contemporary designed home.

Brian and Jo have a strong commitment to public education. Brian was an art teacher and Jo taught English and worked as a psychologist. Their neighbours’ children all attended Hazelbrook Public School, and the children’s parents were closely involved in running the garden festival for years, so, from 1994, it was natural that they would support the Festival and thus the children of the school.   

Tundarra |  Linden

Courtesy of Robyn & Steve Hughes

A formal park-style sanctuary nestled on the outskirts of Linden. Tundarra joins the festival for the first time this year. It’s no surprise that its tranquil ambience and lush greenery has been the setting for many weddings. The picturesque design incorporates a variety of plants carefully selected for their ability to withstand wallabies, as the grounds flank adjacent bushland. The towering trees provide ample shade mixed with more formal moments of topiary and framing. There’s also a breathtaking view at the edge of the property. Picnickers are welcome, so remember to bring your rug and find a spot on the grounds to take it all in.

Robyn and Steve’s garden is built on a 25-acre property and is now 35 years old. Steve’s recent retirement has meant more time on their hands and the garden is ever-evolving. Two of their beautiful grandchildren start kindy at Hazelbrook Public School in 2025 so they are more than happy to open their garden as part of this wonderful community fundraiser.

Banool |  Linden

Courtesy of Anne & Philip Moss

Banool is a federation stone bungalow built in 1908 by Paddy Ryan, who also built Norman Lindsey’s Faulconbridge National Trust home in the same style. The half-acre garden’s basic structure was laid down over the next 90 years.  The current owners have redeveloped the garden into a series of “rooms”. Magnificent lilly pilly hedges form a walled garden with bursts of colour from various clivias, azaleas and an enchanting wisteria walkway. A wonderful array of trees, an enticing treehouse and ponds are more of the treasures that await in this festival favourite. 

When Philip and Anne Moss bought the historical home of Banool in 2000 it became important for them to restore the gardens to their former glory and fortunately the bones were still there to work on. They both grew up in a family that loved the backyard and garden and now have a large family of their own with a few grandchildren who enjoy the garden like a playground. The joy this has given them has inspired them to open up their garden to allow others to enjoy the same delights – and help the local school at the same time.

Binyang |  Hazelbrook

Courtesy of Pete Nettell & Wayne Harris

A relatively young garden in the mid-Blue Mountains with a fabulous mix of natives, exotics and produce with expansive views of the bush valley beyond.  Designed by its creative owner, you’ll enjoy pops of complementary colours, wonderful feature plants and artistic focal points. Featuring rock terraces in the front, it moves past a bountiful greenhouse to a dramatic bush garden.

Pete’s background is theatre, though for the past few years he’s worked for the NSW Government. Wayne was an award-winning children’s book illustrator and book designer. They lived in Newtown for 20 years preceding moving to the mountains – and have never looked back. From purchasing the empty bush block in 2010, it took 5 years to design and build the house, and then the foundations of the garden were laid. 

Glenalva | Hazelbrook

Courtesy of Kristine McDonald & Tim Sanford

Stroll down the drive to discover this relaxed, rustic homestead which traces its origins back to the end of the 19th century. Henry James planted the first trees and there are many ancient towering examples. Amble slowly through the grounds, enjoying the distant country vistas. Many visitors have enjoyed the gentle tranquility of this nostalgic mountains garden over the years.  

Tim moved into the beautiful old property of Glenalva in 1974 with little interest in the garden. It remained unchanged until Kristine immersed herself in it in the early 1990s. It is her imagination that has produced the garden it is today and displays her obsession with camellias. There are nearly 150 planted – with more to come!

Windborne | Hazelbrook

Courtesy of Sandie Weaver

Windborne’s front garden frames its quaint mountains cottage to create an image of a picturesque retreat. As you wander further, a newly designed back garden is revealed that showcases a tapestry of colourful plants. A sustainability focus is evident in the artfully integrated local rocks and a shed made of beautiful recycled timber and restored antique leadlight panes, adding rustic charm.  Areas of both sun and shade cater to growing produce as well as exotics, and provide visitors with inviting spaces to relax and unwind.

Sandie is an occupational therapist by profession but also a gardener through and through. Since becoming the owner of the house on Winbourne Road 10 years ago, she has slowly but surely nurtured a garden that now fits in perfectly with the home she has made there.

Frugal-lea | Lawson

Courtesy of Andrew & Lauren Bray

A wild haven tucked away in the back of Lawson amidst the bush, Frugal-lea is a combination of a productive garden and rustic, creative treasures. Netted enclosures brim with fruit trees, berries, and a flourishing kiwi vine, while the raised vegetable beds are crafted from handmade mud bricks.The garden structures seem to blend into the landscape, where big white eucalypts beckon you to explore the various garden nooks. Each offer a unique charm, from chicken coop and bee hives to ponds and whimsical archways.  

NOTE: There are 8 bee hives on this property so  “bee alert” as you meander this festival newcomer!

Andrew and Lauren purchased the bush block in 2002 and have evolved the garden over the years, drawing inspiration from other gardens in the mountains.  A majority of the ornaments and sculptures found within the garden have either been purchased at garage sales or made by Andrew himself. They saw the opportunity to open their garden as a way to help the community.

Adelina Cottage | Lawson

Courtesy of Cathy & Richard McCabe

Adelina Cottage was built in a “New England” style and reflects an evolving cottage garden with various hedged terraces. Native and introduced trees and shrubs provide dappled shade for various under-plantings of bromeliads, clivias, various orchids and violets. Manchurian pear trees provide seasonal colour. Paths lead past ferns and then form a single path to meander down to a native hanging swamp where button and nodding greenhood terrestrial orchids may be found. The cottage owners are keen collectors and will be showcasing a collection of vintage toys.

Richard and Cathy McCabe are both retired and moved to Lawson from Balmain in 2014. Richard was a Structural Draughtsman at NSW Water Resources and Seminar Organiser at NSW Public Works. Cathy was a Visual Arts teacher and also a Museum Educator at the Australian National Maritime Museum. For 12 years both were Directors of an Events Management Company.