Tucked around the corner and down the road from the places you know is the Old Sawmill, a private garden waiting to be discovered at this year’s Springtime on the Mountain Open Gardens Trail.
The Old Sawmill is on the site of the Geissmann Brothers’ first sawmill. Here Tamborine Mountain history meets contemporary sculpture. Current owners, Cheryl and Ray Finlayson, have installed two beautiful sculptures as tributes to their own families’ ancestors. Each has its own story.
There is a quiet grandeur as you stroll through the pecan orchard, past the gold fish pond, on your way to the life size draught horse sculpture watched over by two majestic Canadian pines. Magnificent trees adorn this sprawling, seven-acre property interspersed with magnolias, flowering cherry trees, camellias, hydrangeas and a garden bed of David Austin roses. Pansies, daylilies, snow drops, King Alfred daffodils and alstroemeria greet you cheerily at the Yellow Garden. Something is in flower every single day of the year. Seven years on, Cheryl and Ray continue to delight in the glorious garden vistas seen from each window of their home.
Along with the heartfelt tributes to family, visitors will enjoy readings by the Calanthe poetry group and performances by Bella A’Cappella and The Offcuts. Pick up a gardening book from the second-hand book stall while you are there.
Across the mountain at the various open gardens there will be plant stalls, food and coffee vans. St Georges Church will have fabulous art for sale. On Saturday they will be serving their delicious Devonshire teas. At the Botanic Gardens, be drawn to the smell of sausages sizzling and yes, the Potty Potters will be selling their plants too. Our mountain cafes will be ready to refresh and replenish you.
Be curious. Discover what is just around the corner, at this year’s Springtime on the Mountain. Go to tamborinemountaingardenclub.org.au to prepurchase your ticket. $25 gives access to all six gardens over the 3 days. Dependent children are free.
