The stars of the winter garden in Netherby are all the wonderful old camellias. As the roses close down in the cold, the buds on camellias open. From the beginning of autumn and throughout winter many different varieties of camellias have their season to flower.
The camellia sasanquas, which enjoy sunshine as well as shade, are the first in bloom. These are the ones which cover the pavement below with fallen blossoms. However as winter begins, they are nearly finished, and shade loving camellia japonicas are taking over the display.
The best way to see and enjoy their flowers is to take a walk across the lawn in front of the house, down to the woodland garden. Here a multitude of camellia japonicas grow, their blossoms glowing in deep pinks, reds and pristine white.
There are no camellias native to Australia, but they have been here for almost 200 years. In 1831 a shipment of camellias arrived in Sydney for William Macarthur.
At Camden Park Macarthur began raising ornamental plants, fruit trees and vines, and established a nursery to distribute his plants throughout the colony. One of the camellias was particularly successful in providing seedlings – Camellia Anemoniflora. A specimen survives in Camden Park to this day.
At Netherby we are fortunate to have one of these very old types of camellias, known to us as the Waratah camellia, because the flowers look so similar to the native Waratah.
Our Waratah camellia is very easy to find. It grows on the eastern side of the house, a large well-established shrub, loving the morning sun, sheltered by the verandah.
Just nearby on the verandah there’s a comfortable wooden bench seat, just the spot to rest for a moment or two, to enjoy the flowers, the peace, and a link with the past
