Monday, April 27, 2009

Wandering the stately grounds of historic Stonehenge Station at Glen Innes in northern NSW is an exercise in peace and serenity. It is a soft green woodland, with 47 garden beds and three large water features punctuating a park-like expanse of lawn.

Settled in 1838, Stonehenge got its name from the naturally occurring granite boulders strewn around the property, which reminded the original English owners of their homeland’s prehistoric monument. But it’s not just the rocks that are on a large scale – myriad trees, mature and majestic, have taken root here since the 1800s. Like a private arboretum, the gardens include a gnarly-branched Portuguese cork oak and an avenue of century-old English elms.

Current owner Bob Grady moved here in 2003 with his wife Vicki, to head a commercial cattle-breeding operation. He is semi-retired now, and spends much of his time tending the gloriously groomed 3.2 hectares around the homestead. Bob credits the success of the garden to the area’s cool climate, high rainfall and “very heavy black soils that retain water very well so plants have a wonderful environment to grow in.” And grow they do, making this flourishing landscape anything but low-maintenance. “In summer, I spend about 30 hours a week in the garden, mowing, edging and pruning,” says Bob. “However, winters get down to about -15ºC, so I’d be lucky to spend 10 hours a week outdoors.”

In warmer months, Stonehenge Station is a wonderland of blossoming flowers and ripening fruits. “We have a lot of nut-bearing trees and whatever is in season attracts a different type of bird to enjoy it. White cockatoos are in at the moment, eating the walnuts. “

Whatever produce is left behind does not go to waste. “Vicki makes jellies out of the crabapples and jams from the orchard fruit,” says Bob. He is clearly delighted that his garden, so lovingly looked after, brings so much joy to so many.