Places to Visit in Armidale:
FIKA, Richardson’s Arcade (aka Armidale Plaza) & the Mall
NERAM – New England Regional Art Museum
Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Saumarez Homestead & Rose Garden
Armidale Heritage Bus Tour – Visitor Information Centrl

Armidale Autumn Tree Bus Tour

Welbourn Place – Diane and Stuart Gray

Our garden is a peaceful place with beautiful autumn colours of gold, red, and orange. We moved in 3.5 years ago and were impressed by the garden’s beauty, thanks to the previous owner. Although we’re not expert gardeners, we work hard to maintain this space while managing our full-time jobs. Each season has its charm, but autumn is when the garden looks its best, providing a calm retreat and showcasing nature’s simple beauty.

“Balmoral” – Sally & Danny Spillane

‘Balmoral’ dates from the mid 1800s. The original section of the main house was built in 1892, however the original dwelling was several decades older. The free standing chimney situated in the small garden bed near the car park is all that remains of the original building.

We purchased the property in 2002 and have carried out major renovations to the buildings and created garden beds around the wonderful mature trees that were already there including elms, oaks, pines and a cedar tree. Over the past twenty-three years, the house grounds have been enlarged to approximately twice their original size and make up around two hectares in area. Chanticleer pear trees have been planted along the driveway, a magnolia grove underplanted with hellebores has been created as well as groves of forest pansies, crepe myrtles and ornamental crabapple trees.

After an overseas trip where we were looking at gorgeous English gardens we were inspired to put in a reticulated creek and pond to create a cool woodland area in the garden. Of course, this was much more work than we had anticipated and there is still much to be done. A silver birch walk has been established on either side of the creek underplanted with jonquils , bluebells and more hellebores.

A large border garden is a work in progress as this area can get very wet when there is lots of rain. I call it my friendship garden as it is full of plants that lovely friends have given me over the years, well that is, the plants that have survived!

In memory of my Dad we have created a round rose garden filled with old fashioned scented roses. Aquilegias and peony plants are planted in between the roses and a lavender hedge has been established around the rose garden which represents the loving arms of my Mum who looked after him so beautifully.

An orchard has been established and contains peach, nectarine, cherry, fig, apple, apricot, mulberry, plum trees and a small pomegranate. The vegetable garden produces a range of herbs, plenty of summer greens and fruits and limited winter crops. A bed of peonies produces bunches of flowers later in the year.

The berry trellises around the chook pen produce loganberries, blackberries and raspberries with a large pumpkin patch nearby.

Extra attractions: A plant stall, a cakes and preserve stall and “Lindy Lou Australia” baby and children’s clothing stall will be available at “Balmoral”.

Meadow Bank Garden – Jane and Kenneth Gilpin

Our garden began as an empty paddock just 12 years ago and now stretches across 5 acres, showcasing a naturalistic, cottage style aesthetic. The landscape is divided into a series of interconnected spaces, each with its own distinct character yet designed to flow seamlessly from one to the next, creating a cohesive journey throughout the property.

We’ve created a densely planted environment with a biodiverse range of native and non-native species, all managed according to permaculture principles. This ecological approach has resulted in a garden heavily populated with wildlife, creating a vibrant ecosystem within our property.

Features of interest in the garden include a small nursery, (some plants will be available for purchase on the day); an aquaponics greenhouse for sustainable food production and ornamental plant propagation, a traditional veggie garden, an apiary with active beehives for pollination and honey production, free ranging poultry, and several carefully designed ponds that support aquatic life while adding tranquility to the landscape. Those who visited us during the Spring New England Garden Festival will discover a completely transformed landscape in Autumn. Our diverse mix of perennial plantings explode throughout summer, reaching their full potential by autumn when the garden peaks with a dramatically different look and energy. The seasonal evolution offers returning visitors an entirely new experience with each visit.

Added Attractions: ‘Oresome Garden’ pear sculptures, plant stall + fresh honey from the garden beehives.