THE CONSTABLE ESTATE VINEYARDS GARDENS, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW
Constable Estate Vineyards NSW was established in 1981. Out of
a total of approximately 15 hectares, 7 have been planted with Shiraz, Semillon,
Chardonnay and Verdelho.
A house was built in 1985 and at that time native shrubs were planted to
give privacy and act as a windbreak.
In 1984 a project was commenced to establish a large scale Hunter Valley country
garden comprising various well-spaced gardens and a sculpture garden. Listed
below are the individual gardens and their special features:
ROSE GARDEN - March 1984
Triangular in shape, the Rose Garden is framed by 18 Plane Trees (Plantanus Orientalis), and 85 Cotoneasters.
Three individual box gardens were created from 780 Buxus Microphylla Japonica.
Inside, Lavender Spica follow the outline of the box hedge and some 60 Rose
bushes were planted. The central block contains Mr Lincoln with a border of
Simply Magic and an antique sculpture, cast-iron fountain, while the other
two blocks contain mixed varieties of Roses and each containing garden sculptures.
A gazebo and pergola, the latter covered with climbing roses, completes the
picture.
KNOT & HERB GARDEN - December 1989
To celebrate the birth of Sarah Constable 5/7/89.
A variety of herbs inside a Box and Rosemary hedge of 342 Buxus Microphylla Japonica and 70 Rosemary plants.
At strategic points around the Hunter garden are standard Bay and Box trees
and standard Box trees. A hedge of Murraya frames the garden. Two large Manchurian
Pear trees
(Pyrus Salicfolia) stand at each end.
SECRET GARDEN - July 1991
To celebrate the birth of Joseph Constable 7/8/91.
Guarding the entrance of the 32m x 12m Secret Garden are two full-sized bronze
lions. The garden is framed by a hedge of 60 Western Red Cedar and the two
garden beds contain blue Agapanthi, white Azalea, white Magnolia, Liriope and
Eupatorium.
CAMELLIA GARDEN
The latest addition is a Camellia Garden containing approximately 70 varieties
of Sasanqua and Japonica. The garden is framed with Sasanqua Ruffle Pink
designed to form a hedge.
The path has been created in the shape of a C (the entrance) and H (the foot
of which leads to the exit). C and H refers to Constable and Hershon, the original
name of the vineyard.
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
There are a number of bronze sculptures by various Australian artists, including
several by Julie Squires, well-known Newcastle artist. The latest addition
is a 1½ times life-size bronze of the illustrious English cellist, Jacqueline
Du Pre. This was recently unveiled by The Hon. Senator Helen Coonan, Minister
for Media, Communication, Technology and the Arts.
In addition to the formal gardens, there are a number of interesting sculptures placed at strategic points throughout the vineyard.
