'Glenalva' is one of Hazelbrook's earliest gardens, dating from the 1880's when many of its magnificent exotic trees were planted. It is now a tranquil garden which surrounds the old homestead, with lofty mature trees, thousands of bulbs and a certain eccentricity.

Access: long sloping driveway - willing to assits those with disabilities

The vast space of this garden makes interesting exploring. The extensive landscape features a mix of Azaleas, Ferns and Maples. The ponds, footbridge and sounds of running water create a natural ambience.

An established cottage garden, with rock walls and stone pathways that meander down past ponds and fountains. Skilful craftsmanship and the creative use of recycled timber for ornamentation and building has created an interesting and delightful back garden.

Created as a place of peace and tranquillity, Lotus has been evolving out of unruly ‘jungle’ into garden rooms, including a fountain room. Mature exotic trees such as Crabapple, Magnolia and a huge swamp cypress have been enhanced by plantings of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Gardenias and Lavender. Five ponds have been created from a natural spring. It is a garden of exploration.

Set on an eastern facing slope, ‘Dayspring’ is an excellent example of applied permaculture. It uses minimal water while still achieving good productivity. This large garden exhibits an abundance of vegetables and flowers with winding paths that meander past many species of nut and fruit trees to a gentle bushland waterfall. It has been featured in the SMH Domain magazine and was open for National Permaculture Day in May this year.

Gardeners and children alike will enjoy a journey through the developing gardens of Cedar Grove. A mix of Australian natives and exotics along with meandering paths and stone walls help create a number of interesting rooms. Take a seat and enjoy a coffee with a view. Formal Devonshire tea will be served from 10.30am till 12 noon and again from 2pm to 3.30.

This small garden features an eclectic collection of unusual bush rock and objects d’art. It has established native and exotic shrubs and is a great example of how to create an interesting and delightful backyard.