Whitney was established in 1935. Mark and Vivienne bought the property in 1981 when the garden had needed a makeover. The 1935 owners visited and bought photographs of the original landscape so the renovation could begin. Over the years the garden has lovingly been restored to a  peaceful inviting space in the middle of suburbia. The plantings have allowed flowers and greenery for the house and for Vivienne to arrange flowers in the local church. This as well as fruit and vegetables for the house and for the preserves that are available for sale. The garden space goes from hot and dry to moist and shady and allows for a wide range of exotics and natives to grow happily and add interest to the garden plots. There are a number of plants /trees in pots that can be moved around as they look their best.

While Vivienne does a good part of the maintenance and planting of the garden (and is a dab hand with the chainsaw), Mark lends a hand when necessary but has to be carefully supervised! Our Gardener Stuart has been with us for over 15 years and is an invaluable part of the team. Mark and Vivienne love to spend as much time in the garden as is possible and enjoy the summerhouse with its coverage of the Chinese Wisteria which in Spring is a sight to behold.

Mark and Vivienne's two sons (who now live close by) love to come and spend time in the garden and relish the peace, eat the vege and fruit and generally make themselves ‘at home’ again!

The garden is half an acre, so allow 1-2 hours.

A photo album of garden pictures and environs since 1935 is available for viewing.  

Structures in the garden include a summer house and summer seat and cottage (toilet available here).