A few kind words from our visitors
It was my first Hidden Gardens of SA this year and it was a wonderful experience. The gardens were a delight and showed us differing architectural landscape possibilities of the historic gardens and the lovely modern garden. The friendliness of the gate people and the professionalism in the setup of the plant and produce stalls, were very much appreciated. The food, drinks, coffee and seating at Beechwood provided a place to sit, chat and reflect. The guides in some gardens was an excellent option as we often sought the naming of a plant. The information and emails you sent were also very helpful to plan the day and the descriptions of the gardens, excellent. Advice re weather, clothing and parking also very helpful. So, congratulations and thank you. We came away feeling privileged to view these loved gardens and we thought how professionally organised the day had been.
Sally
I thought the whole day was such a success. We commented as we walked around how it didn’t seem to be as crowded as last year even though the weather was fabulous! Every garden was a picture. I was excited to see Ruth’s new garden. So clever and beautifully set out. You’d hardly know it was such a young garden. I also enjoyed revisiting St Vigeans and Panmure. I haven’t seen them for a few years and then we had a lovely afternoon tea at the stunning Beechwood. Such a variety of gardens with clearly passionate owners! Thanks again for a lovely day out and I look forward to doing it again next year!
Belinda L
I went on a bus with other garden lovers, and we absolutely loved it. We started with Ruth Hemmerling’s 4 year old garden and it was hard to believe that it was such a new garden. Not only was the design so clever but the plants were so interesting. The produce stall was excellent and I blew a fair bit of money on it. We moved on to Beechwood. It’s so tranquil with its large open meadows and old trees. We were able to buy a welcome coffee there. Then came St. Vigeans with its colourful and intense planting, and steep slopes, and a huge plant stall. The bus was half filled with the purchases of plants after that. Last of all was beautiful Panmure, with the house taking full advantage of the views of the garden.
Kate H
The four gardens were all stunning, and it was interesting to see a new one contrasted with the other three very old gardens. My favourite was…. I had better not say. The entire team were welcoming and helpful, with stalls of the highest quality. Please thank the garden owners for me. It was so generous of them to let visitors roam around their sanctuaries. We we appreciated it, and are in awe of the hard work, time and imagination that they have put into their beautiful properties.
It was a really terrific day – I cannot believe how different the Stirling gardens, and Hills gardens, are just so different from down on the plains. I guess it is to do with the enormous trees, and the basic establishment of the early gardens. We all enjoyed it, and what I noticed was everyone was happy, with smiles on faces all the time. Congrats to all your hardworking volunteers – you all need recognition for the whole day. Incredible differences in the gardens and plants, all in fantastic condition. Also was most impressed with Panmure new house in v old garden – how well it all fitted into the amazing garden! Could not find out the architect! Thanks so much to all or you, and looking forward to next year! If my legs are still working!
Mary
I would like to pass on my Congratulations to the Team of Hidden Garden volunteers for the amazing day spent in the four beautiful Hills gardens. The sun shone, we were graciously met at each entrance with named guides in “hidden gardens aprons” , the paths had been so carefully saw dusted by the garden owners as part of their fastidious presentation. The plants stall at “ St.Vigeans” was loaded with temptations, “Upton” home made goodies & raffles, and “Beechwood” refreshments & flowers a delight & “Panmure” super special. A special thank you to the Garden owners for their generosity in opening their private gardens. The organisation behind this event was flawless with the map, wristbands, garden notes with historical details . It was truly a memorable occasion with the money raised for the Gardens & Grounds of Carrick Hill will be much appreciated by all. Well done,
Sue C
A note to say thank you to you all for making Thursday such a joyful and beautiful day for so many people. I for one came home as though a whole new world had opened up yet again! Oh to be 30 years younger and know what I know now about gardens. A very special day and I certainly don’t underestimate the time and energy that goes into an event like “Hidden Gardens”. Thank you for a really enjoyable day
Sally C