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ITINERARY

Expansive and intimate, a special selection of private gardens on the scenic Central Coast of NSW. What a pleasure it is to be invited into these gardens; to wander, sip tea and chat to each host about their garden. Learn about plants and design with some very knowledgeable plants people on this short 4-night break.

Meet at Central Railway Station Sydney, ready to board our coach. We are heading to Terrigal with stops at two expansive gardens in the Yarramalong Valley. Our first garden covers 1.25 acres, and
surrounds an 1885 stone cottage that was once the Yarramalong Inn. Front garden is a modified cottage style garden. The rear garden is inspired by visits to the Garden of Cosmic Speculation in
Scotland. A picnic lunch is included in our next garden, nestled in the head of the Yarramalong Valley. Iris Pond, Teardrop Garden, sleeper step walk, Crabapple Walk and Pear Walk, with grand valley views, ancient Red Cedar and Wisteria arbour … inspirational! Time to settle into our deluxe hotel on the beach at Terrigal. Welcome Dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

We are heading into the Central Coast hinterland today. First up is the garden of garden designer, Michael Cooke and his wife Cathy. In 1990 they moved to a bush block at Central Mangrove, cleared the scrub, planted pasture, built the stables and fences for their horses whilst growing a garden and their family. It’s a real plantsman’s garden, with exciting plants that Michael loves and that enrich his life. Lunch included today at Saddles Restaurant, John Singleton’s rustic gourmet restaurant at Mt White. Paradise Garden at Kulnura is our last stop today, once the life’s work of
plantsman Bob Cherry. Learn about their programme of essential oil production for organic skin care.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

You will think you are in Port Douglas this morning in a small lakeside garden in Long Jetty, with palms, heliconias, tropical plants and a small veg garden. Gay Hannigan is looking forward to
sharing her garden with us! Next stop is a quirky garden on the Wyong River with boardwalks through palms and tropical plantings. We will have lunch here with garden owners, Carolyn and Bill Burton. Check out the nursery rhyme buildings created for their grandchildren. Last stop today is the Forresters Beach garden of plantsman, Peter Nixon; an exciting lush oasis of cool tropicals.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

A gentle start this morning with tea served in Leonie Grimshaw’s Bateau Bay garden. On a sloping block of grey sand, this garden is an ideal blueprint for coastal living, with a fusion of natives, exotics, herbs, gabions and garden rooms. It’s a flowing, restful, beautiful place, environmentally sound and different. Lunch is included today in the serene Edogawa Japanese Commemorative Garden. Next stop is Craig Scott’s fabulous flower farm, East Coast Wildflowers, at Mangrove Mountain, home to some of the most beautiful and unique native flowers in the world. Head back to Terrigal with our Farewell Dinner included this evening.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

With so much inspiration you might be keen for a spot of plant shopping at Impact Plants this morning in Empire Bay. A photo stop is next at Marie Byles lookout in Killcare, with panoramic views over Maitland Bay. An afternoon visit to Coachwood Nursery to learn about rare plants, dried flowers & unique succulents with Ruth and Peter Donnelly. Travel back to Central Station Sydney.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

HOW TO BOOK

To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our online booking form. You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations received 180-120 days prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
Cancellations must be sent in writing.
Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.
Please refer to the Ross Garden Tours standard terms and conditions

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