The Gardens

The Haywards were intensely British in their taste and style and in keeping with the English manor house style of their home, Ursula Hayward chose specific aspects of an arts and crafts Edwardian style garden to be part of her grand view at Carrick Hill, particularly in the use of cellular structures such as hedges, lawn terracing and stone paving.

The surrounding grounds, modelled on the English country park, feature clumps of trees, orchards and cutting beds. Originally there were avenues of cedars and poplars.

Beyond the house, grounds and paddocks, the hills and bushland of Brown Hill rise up and extend to the east.

A popular addition to the grounds is the Children’s Storybook Trail which comprises a series of landscaped scenes taken from various classic children’s stories that families can discover and enjoy. A printed guide is available to assist in exploring the Trail.

During the Hayward's time, a large team of gardeners were employed to look after the grounds. Cliff Jacobs began working as a gardener at Carrick Hill in 1936 and retired in 1986 – a remarkable 50 years of service – his passion for the gardens of Carrick Hill never diminishing in all that time. This commitment and passion still continues today with a dedicated group of gardening staff and volunteers.

Volunteers

The gardens exist largely due to the efforts of a committed group of volunteers. If you are passionate about gardening and have some spare time, why not consider becoming a Carrick Hill garden volunteer. There are many benefits and no experience is needed.
For more information, telephone the Garden Manager on 8433 1700.