Garden gates open

Feb. 8, 2013, 3:30 p.m.

Monica Schmidt and one of her border collies, Jack, by the dam at Woowoolahra, on London Bridge Road.

TWO and a half acres of mature garden 'rooms' at 6 London Bridge Road, Burra, are divided by beautifully constructed rock walls, while gracious old trees embrace the lawns and frame the gorgeous valley views.

It all seems so idyllic - so perfect - that it's hard to imagine there have been any hiccups along the way.But owners Allan and Monica Schmidt - self-described 'wannabe gardeners' - say they've been on a very steep learning curve since purchasing the property in 2005.

And, like all gardeners, they've certainly faced their share of challenges and heartbreak. But they happily declare that they've "loved every minute of it!"

"Critters of one sort or another are a constant battle for us. We've variously had rosellas shredding our roses, huge hares razing plants to the ground, kangaroos bedding down wherever they feel like it, and grasshoppers completely stripping the garden," Mr Schmidt said.

"Not to mention our four border collies, who just love to run. And run, and run - usually over the same self-made track. It's hard to keep the lawns looking lush when they're receiving that sort of punishment, that's for sure!"

Despite all of the animal action going on behind the scenes, you'd never know it! This mature, elegant garden is a delight.

Magnificent stands of flowering hydrangeas, at their voluptuous best in summer, provide swathes of soft colour, while a cypress woodland opens onto dams teeming with bird life and dotted with pretty water lilies.

Wonderful espaliered fruit trees enclose a berry garden, where strawberries and bramble berries mingle happily with roses and lilies, which are grown to provide cut flowers for indoors.

Extras include:

* A cafe serving lunch, morning and afternoon teas, and cold drinks

* Dog agility demonstrations at 11am each day* Vintage and antique jewellery will be on display and for sale