Nyth-y-Dryw (Nest of the Wren)
A semi-rural garden now well-established
Large 8 acre garden, with extensive vegetable and fruit plantings, and a netted food forest. Nyth y Dryw
Welsh: “Nest of the Wren”
This garden is owned by Dr Bob & Maggie Longmore. The 3 hectare block of old cleared farmland was purchased in June 1991 and the small garage as shed/weekender erected that Christmas. The soil is
generally very hungry, gutless sand with occasional areas of pebbly loam, pockets of clay-loam and drifts of laterite rock. The only trees present were the large Jarrah and several distressed she-oaks, with lots of bracken over the whole block. Planting of all the other trees, many grown from seed, commenced in 1992 and initially relied on occasional hand watering until the later installation of a bore. The cedar house was built in 1998 and became a permanent residence in December 2000 after Bob and Maggie had retired in July. There is no overall planting theme but an eclectic mixture of native and exotic and unusual plants, planted in several garden areas. Native trees and bushes are planted mainly on the perimeter with an area of smaller natives planted in a rock band. The Rusty Garden has white sapotes, assorted citrus, silver birch under planted with azaleas, rhodendrons and English bluebells, Wollemi pines and Burdekin plums. Aviary Garden with a paved sitting area and fire-pit features many species and varieties of Salvia. Two large ponds have been allowed to naturalise creating an ideal environment for frogs and there are several other smaller water features around the property creating homes for frogs and fish. Two shade houses and a greenhouse were constructed in 2004 -2005 and house orchids, bromeliads and other assorted exotics. Other the years several vegetable bed designs have been tried with the resultant tank and sleeper beds with many now converted to wicking beds. A food forest has been developed, with initially one compartment now grown to four. The concept embraces multilevel plantings ranging from strawberries, assorted fruiting bushes and vines to maturing fruit trees. More recentley we have added a large greenhouse for growing a variety of tropical friut, and to extend our veg growing season. Our small dog Sam, 4 ducks, canaries and hens complete the scene. A natural swimming pool was completed in July 2020, with its beaut shoal of goldfish. Mown and gravel paths provide access to most areas of the block. Please watch out for water pipes! Help yourselves to Tea and Coffee. Toilet available. Plenty of parking. Feel free to ask any questions – you may get answers!
125 Blackwood River Drive, Nannup, WA 6275
Tel/Fax (08) 9756 0308. Mob 0427 560 305. [email protected]
Garden open by appointment. group bookings welcome. Dr Bob is available for garden talks and presentations.
