Bonython Estate Gardens Three Lakes
There are three man made small lakes that run through the garden from a natural stream which eventually finds its way to the sea. The first lake which is viewed when one walks out of the walled garden,sits at the top of the small valley.
The planting around the first lake is minimal. Rhododendrons, Irises, Pontedera Cordata , Pampas grass and a variety of spring daffodils. The reason for the simple planting around this lake is the open setting.
The second lake is where all the excitement and colour is to be found ..The valley has a 20yr old established shelter belt of trees so here is a gardeners paradise.
Unusual Planting around the Second Lake
Mrs Nathan started the creation of the garden in this area in 2000. Having being brought up in South Africa,she felt this area was ideal to plant and grow a lot of South African plants.Due to its warm shelter it is ideal for the hot colours of the late summer planting. So all the reds, oranges, yellows of the colour palette are to be found here.
Cannas, Rubeckias, proteas, restios, dahlias, many varieties of grasses all mix happily together on the lush banks of the second lake. The 3rd and final lake has a completely different atmosphere. Here the quarry lake was enlarged and has steep rock cliffs faces. It is extremely atmospheric and due to a lot of trees it is very sheltered and cool. Ideal for Hellebores to flourish under the trees and tree ferns .Bamboos do well here and the South African Restios thrive.
