The late 19th century gardens at Saumarez Homestead, Armidale, were planned and constructed by the White family to complement and provide a setting for their significant Edwardian mansion. The gardens were modelled on an English prototype and includes plantings of trees, shrubs and exotics from the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Scandinavia. There is also Mary White's cottage garden and over 600 heritage roses (looked after by the Australian Garden History Society).
Current season ends 26 May 2024Gardens & Grounds open from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays only. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite in advance or at the property. Access to the inside of the Homestead by guided tour only at set times. Please refer to the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Saumarez Homestead website for more information.
Grounds only - Adults $12, Concession $10, Family $34
Family: 2 Adults and 2 children OR 1 Adult and 3 children
Concessions: Seniors, Pensioners, Full Time Students.
Children Under 5 years free
National Trust members - free
Book in advance on Eventbrite or purchase tickets at the property.
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Warning: Uneven surfaces, Steep slopes |
Note: Enter from New England Highway via Armidale Airport and then follow the signs.
| Summer avg. Max: | 26°C | Winter avg. Min: | 1°C | |
| Avg Frost Days: | 69 | |||
| Annual Rainfall avg: | 820mm. | Summer avg. | 315mm. | |
| No. of rainy days: | 47 | Winter avg. | 124mm. | |
Public Toilets nearbyDistances are approximate. When planning your trip please check open times etc by following links to National Public Toilet Map.
Saumarez Homestead, Armidale has three main areas: the house, the garden and the historic farm. The 2ha gardens were planned and constructed by the White family at the turn of the 19th century to complement and provide a setting for their Edwardian m ...
The Saumarez Homestead gardens have always been the setting for the Homestead and in many ways was an extension of the house. These garden rooms provided spaces for activities which were part of the lives of the family members - in leisure and entertainment - and it contributed food and flowers to the functioning of the house.
The garden has nine distinct areas:
A The Front (West)
B The Front (East)
H The Front (South)
C Mary's Garden
D Vegetable Garden
E Picking Garden
F Service Area
G The Avenue
R The Heritage Rose Garden Saumarez Homestead
This guide will take you through these areas of the garden. After the description of the garden there is a list of species.
Click on 'More Info' to access the Saumarez Homestead Garden Guide
More Info »
The Heritage Rose Garden Saumarez Homestead opened on 1st November 2015 and is situated on the site of the former Saumarez Orchard.
The northern NSW branch of the Australian Garden History Society maintains this garden.
The garden was established with the nucleus of a rose collection donated by Miss Catherine MacLean, a long time Armidale resident and dedicated rosarian.
The main collection includes over 600 roses representing each of the major rose cultivar groups, mostly bred before 1900. These are displayed in a Tudor rose garden pattern to a design by botanist Ian Telford. Consisting of 44 beds in four concentric circles accessed by gravel paths, the garden traces the history of modern rose breeding.
Contributions of important rose breeders in Australia are also represented. These include roses introduced into cultivation by Alister Clark (1864-1949), Frank Reithmuller (1884 - 1964), and Olive Fitzhardinge (1881 - 1956). Hybrid musk roses bred in England by Joseph Pemberton (1852-1926) are also included because of their continuing significance in rose culture.
"Disclaimer: Please note that all information shown has been provided by the owner of the garden or event coordinators and has not been verified by My Open Garden. See our full terms and conditions for the use of this site.