Note: This garden was featured in 2016 with these photos and description:
Lakithi is a large country garden, which has evolved over the past 14 years. It is a blend of formal & informal areas with structures & walls creating several ‘garden rooms’. In designing the Lakithi Garden, I have always been mindful of our wonderfully expansive vistas, which I have strived to maintain & enhance.
An avenue of Pin Oaks, flanked by a rose & clematis covered post & rail fence leads you into the garden. On the left, a large grove of Silver Birch, hugs the bank & gives shelter to thousands of blue bells in Spring & red & white spotted mushrooms in Autumn. Left of the turning circle, steps and a low wall with espaliered apples, Altissimo Roses & Nepeta lead onto the Eastern Lawn, where a majestic English Oak stands sentry. 4 Malus Gorgeous complete the ‘wall’.
From the circle, an arbour invites you into a tranquil setting of lawn, surrounded by curved borders of shrubs & perennials. The front is backed by a hedge of Rosa Rugosa Alba. The front steps, supported by generous plantings of Lavender Dentata lead down to the formal fountain area, where both sides are flanked by purple leaf Royal Frost Birch, under planted with pink Daffodils. This area is framed by a formal Viburnum Tinus hedge, accented with evenly spaced Washington Thorn trees. The view of the dam & paddocks beyond is framed by 2 Robinia Frisia, under planted with sedums.
A walk of Cherry Ukon leads one through the Spirea hedge to the Summerhouse & dam, where Red Stemmed Dogwood & Pistachio Chenensis cast their reflections in the water. Japanese Iris & water lilies soften the jetty. Looking right from the fountain, the eye is drawn to a mass of Stipa Gigantea, backed by a copse of Medlars, which steal the show in Autumn.
Above the dam, a granite outcrop is home to Olives & masses of different lavenders. Further along is a shimmering copse of Silver Birches under planted with bluebells. Above the orchard is an arbour, bench & a mixed planting of Elvins Prunus, Crab apples, Hawthorn & Flowering Quince. A simple mass of daisies lead you to the pool & parkland of exotic trees beyond.
The back steps & walls , softened by David Austin Roses, Echiums, cerastium & accented by 2 superb Viburnum Macrocephalum lead left to the Rose Garden, right to the Vegetable Garden & finally up to the magnificent Eucalypt behind.