Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
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Originally a beef cattle and sheep property, Ashcombe Maze was part of a much larger farm owned by the Burston family for generations.
The oldest trees on the property are the large Cyprus trees planted more than 100 years ago as windbreaks. In the 1950's the Lombardy poplars were planted, and the gardens were established when the property was further sub-divided and sold.
John and Sally Daly established a few acres of gardens (mainly planted with Australian natives) & planted the hedge maze in the late 1970's. The Maze Café was built using mud bricks made from the clay from Lake Ashcombe. Over the years, thousands of tons of rock have been used in the landscaping, major plantings of conifers & deciduous trees put in place, and the gardens extended to the current 25 acres.
Arthur Ross took over as Maze Keeper from John & Sally in 1998. Over the years he has put his own stamp on the property and each year more improvements are made. The Maze Café has been extended and the Gardeners tool shed converted in the "Cypress Cottage" Gift Shop using planks from trees grown on the property. The Centre garden has been remodeled to include the fountain that is there today and millions of bluebells planted in the lower woodlands. In 2005 the Pot Garden underwent a major face lift and the Rose Maze was extensively refurbished and enlarged. In 2006 the year round flowering Lavender Labyrinth was planted along with the Lavender Display Gardens. The work continues…
"The great thing about working with nature, is seeing the results!"
What's happening in the gardens?
The bluebells are just starting to burst into flower and the winter roses have given us a wonderful show and continue to do so. The magnificent magnolia in the pot garden has been complimented by all who have visited as well as the rhododendrums scattered throughout the property. Of course the camelias have created a winter colorscape amongst the lush green of the gardens.
The great rose prune was finalised at the end of July - a very late flowering season this year - and already have strong growth and we estimate the first blooms to start appearing in October.
Ashcombe gardeners have also been planting, planting, planting with lots of new plants both annuals and perennials.
Don't forget, now is the time to book your group/club's next visit!
Ashcombe is the ideal venue for your garden club, probus club, senior club or social group's next outing.
Group discounted prices are avaialable for admission, with personal guided tours available by one of our gardeners, or try a packages including morning or afternoon tea, luncheon or team building activities.
