The End Of Winter at Leura Gardens Resort

🌿 Winter at Leura Gardens Resort: A Season of Renewal

By Larry Petrovic, Head Horticulturist

Winter at Leura Gardens Resort is far from quiet. While the cold and wet weather might slow things down for some, it’s a season of transformation for me. This winter, I took on one of my biggest renovation projects yet- reviving the Margaret Stevens Garden.

Restoring Serenity

Margaret Stevens’ garden once held a peaceful charm that was lost when the Gazebo replaced it. I wanted to bring that serenity back. I began by removing plants that had overstayed their welcome and created a clean border using Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus). This set the stage for our deep red roses, which will be the stars of spring.

To frame the garden, I planted Rosemary from tube stock to form a hedge separating it from the Crepe Myrtles behind. In front, I added Carissa Desert Star for its glossy green leaves and Mediterranean Lavender for its aromatic touch.

As you walk along the footpath, you’ll find a vibrant mix of Gardenias (Gardenia augusta ‘Parjup’), Hebe ‘Pretty N Pink’, Fuchsia ‘Candy Bells’, Azalea Hybrids, and a stunning variety of Boronias—including ‘Plum Bells’, ‘Flamingo’, ‘Celebration’, and ‘Show Off’.

Breathing Life into the Gazebo

Inside the Gazebo, I tackled a neglected indoor garden. It was cluttered with random plants and exposed irrigation—an eyesore. Now, it features a curated selection of indoor plants: Blechnum, Birds Nest, Asplenium, Doodia Ferns, and Philodendrons. I installed pine bark mulch and proper irrigation to bring order and life to the space.

Nature’s Surprises

Stormy weather brought its own challenges. One morning, I arrived to find large branches from our California Redwoods scattered across the front lawn. I grabbed my chainsaw, cut them into manageable logs, and cleared the area safely.

Caring for the Classics

Our Hydrangeas, though dormant in winter, still need attention. I used leftover Dynamic Lifter and supplemented with Seasol and Seamungus to prepare them for spring’s bloom.

Clean Gardens, Clean Grounds

Cleanliness is part of our pride at Leura Gardens Resort. Every bin on site gets “Larry’s Platinum Deluxe Handwash and Shine” – because even the smallest details matter.

Safety First: Tree Removal

Near the apartments, we had three mature Eucalyptus Grey Ironbarks leaning dangerously toward the building. After consulting with Blue Mountains City Council and Urban Forest Officer Mckendry, we discovered they were infected with Armillaria, a fungal pathogen that causes root rot and tree death. With the help of our trusted arborist Rolly, and approval from the council, we safely removed all three trees.

Carpark Gardens Refresh

Fresh pine bark mulch made a noticeable difference in our carpark gardens, which feature Azaleas and Camellias. The before and after speaks for itself.

Roses and Rockery

Near our heritage Linden Tree, the Iceberg Roses received their winter prune and fertiliser. I also repaired the surrounding rockery, which had eroded over time, by removing loose rocks and applying a strong layer of mortar.

A Better Breakfast View

Down by the Olive Tree Restaurant, I cleared a garden bed overrun by Wild Strawberries. After laying down weed mat to suppress future growth, I planted Azaleas and Indian Hawthorns to enhance the view.

Winter may be a time of rest for some, but here at Leura Gardens Resort, it’s a season of preparation, care, and quiet transformation. Every shovel of soil and every plant placed is part of a bigger story, one of respect for the land