The major elements of our garden are the enveloping hedges and entry gates which give a feeling of security and peace.   The ironstone walls built by Stuart McGhie from local ironstone give the garden structure and definition.   Bespoke wrought iron supports for the espaliered olive trees stand each side of the 200-year-old Anduse Pot, home of an Australian Calamondin (cumquat).  An Australian made garden fountain takes centre stage and gives us and the visiting birdlife a lot of joy.

The garden is constantly evolving from season to season as the sunlight, shade and changing weather patterns influence the growth of the plantings.  Avila has a cool climate garden which allows us to grow camellias, rhododendrons and beautiful trees.  

The Cercidifillum japonicum pendulum or (Katsura) has a beautiful weeping form, in winter bare of leaves, or in spring with cascading new growth.  The Taxodium distichum ‘swamp cyprus’ is unusual as it is deciduous, fading to a beautiful coppery colour in autumn.  Cercis  canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ nestles closely to a beautiful maple, Acer palmatum ‘Trompenberg’ both with their burgundy foliage in spring.  The cercis flowers on bare stems.

The driveway, flanked on one side by low growing Camilla sasanqua ‘Shishigashira’ and the other side Elaeagnus ‘Limelight’ leads the visitor toward the camellia and rhododendron walk highlighted by an Acer palmatum ‘Full Moon’Japanese maple, lemon and lime trees.  The raised vegetable gardens also feature here providing us with fresh herbs and leafy greens during spring and summer.

Daffodils, tulips, and other treasures thrive in our cool climate and during spring and summer they are a colourful sight.  Our garden gives us a great deal of pleasure and we enjoy sharing this beautiful place with our visitors.