There is more to what first appears to 109 Arthur Street in Wellington which owners and passionate gardeners, Noel and Helen Grimes, describe as their “hidden gem”.
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‘Imogen’ is one of two town gardens set to open to the public on Sunday for the Wellington Garden Club’s open garden day.
The Grimes have lived at the residence for 36 years during which time the award-winning garden has been peppered with a diversity of plants.
The property was originally granted to Rachael Gainsborg by Crown Grant on November 19, 1848. ‘Imogen’ was built by architect, Owen John Kennard, around 1903. It has since been owned by John and Mary Mereweather, Wellesley Proprietary Limited, Henry Arthur Taylor, Donald and Ian Rogers, Agnes McDonald Patrick, and Noel (Joe) and Margorie Cook.
Overtime the garden has steadily evolved from a few trees and shrubs to what it is today, with many interesting nook and crannies.
“I describe it as my ‘little, big garden’ because I have a lot of plants in it,” Noel said. “I think people will find it very interesting.”
Sunday will mark the second time Noel has taken part in the open garden day.
“I take pride in our garden, so it’s a good opportunity for people to have a look,” he said.
Terry Frost of 51 Simpson Street will also put his garden on show.
“It’s nothing formal, it just happens,” he said. “If something comes up and it looks alright you leave it there.”
Terry purchased the house – built as a residence for the manager for the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney in 1921 – from the Spargo family 17 years ago.
“It was awfully run down, no garden, just three huge ratty oleander trees and red dirt at the back,” Terry recalled.
“Since that time it has grown and been added to, greened up and I think it looks quite good at the moment.”
A main feature in the Simpson Street garden is a water feature surrounded by a paved area and tropical plants
“It’s a nice paved area to sit back, read a book and sip a few ciders,” Terry said.
“I’ve had some lovely comments on my garden.”
Terry also noted a number of hanging baskets of various sizes, shapes and colours and two greenhouses bursting with spring.
“One is quite large and chockablock full of flowering Geranium plants – it’s a sight to behold,” he said.
“Masses of colour in there and all of those will be for sale.”
All funds raised on the day through entry fees and plant sales will be distributed among the four local schools who will be actively assisting with the day.
