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On a meandering drive along the Bells Line of Road from Bell to Windsor, I chanced upon the Wildwood Garden in Bilpin. Bilpin is located 90 km north-west of Sydney, and the area is known for its cool climate and rich volcanic soil. The nearby Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah is one of my favourite places to visit.

The gardens have been established over several decades by Wayne and Sue Tapping. Opening times are seasonal: autumn colour can be experienced from March through to early June, and spring flowers are on display from August to early November. My visit in late August was perfectly timed to enjoy the vast range of camellias in bloom. These are one of my favourite flowers, and there were stunning displays throughout the garden. Images of some of the extensive camellias at Wildwood can be found here.

There are many areas to explore, including a memory garden, the cherry tree walk, fairy garden and a waterfall. These themed areas each offer something different to see, and there are many points of interest along the way.

It was an overcast day, but the many blooming flowers and trees provided a bright contrast. I came across another wanderer who was also a first-time visitor to Wildwood. We compared notes on the beauty of the place, of the mass plantings and water features. There was so much to discover along the way.

Another highlight was the birdlife drawn to the garden. There were red-browed finches, king parrots, currawongs, New Holland honeyeaters, whipbirds and grey fantails, just to name a few. The Eastern Spinebill, shown above, was one of many birds, butterflies, and insects enjoying the flowers in Wildwood.

Something that also appealed to me was the sense of fun throughout the garden. There were sculptures, ornaments, and gnomes in various locations, along with wooden and stone seats offering the chance to simply sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Like most gardens, Wildwood would offer different delights on a seasonal basis. I look forward to seeing what it has to offer in autumn.

You can find out more about the Wildwood Garden at Bilpin here.

Photo: topiaries in Wildwood Garden, Bilpin