Wendy’s Secret Garden in Sydney, Australia

On a steep slope overlooking Lavender Bay, Wendy’s Secret Garden appears almost out of nowhere, as there’s no signage to indicate you’ve arrived at one of the handful of entry points to this hidden garden surrounded by council-tended parkland. A true expression of guerilla gardening, this green space grew out of weed-infested, rubbish-strewn, state-government-owned railway land on Sydney’s North Shore.

The catalyst was Wendy Whiteley’s grief at the sudden loss of her former husband, artist Brett Whiteley, in 1992, which was compounded by the death of their only child, Arkie, almost a decade later. Wendy found solace in filling the neglected site with plants, and there’s a tangible feeling of peace and tranquillity in this shady space where the ability of gardening to heal is manifest.

Three Moreton Bay figs dominate the garden, forming an umbrella-like canopy that creates a cooling microclimate where shade-loving plants thrive. Coin spot tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi) growing on the original site remain, adding prehistoric, lacy coverage. Bangalow palms given to Wendy by Arkie commemorate her late daughter, and a few bottle trees are a lovely surprise.

The garden rolls out over a series of undulating terraces via mulched paths and stairs with gnarled-branch handrails. The paths connect intimate garden ‘rooms’ that not only enhance the sense of secrecy, but also slow you and reset the pace, while sculptures, single perches for solo visitors, and picnic tables invite you to stay awhile.

Despite the name, Wendy’s garden is anything but secret. Her passion for converting the site is well documented. Working with head gardener Corrado Camuglia, hired and volunteer gardeners and North Sydney Council, Wendy has been devoted to making this land at the foot of the Whiteley family home a garden for the public for more than two decades.

Just when you think you can’t take your eyes off the beautiful views across the bay towards the icons of Sydney Harbour, the garden’s orange and cream clivias and deep pink Iresine herbstii and Cordyline rubra grab your attention. As you traverse the many tiers of the garden, the verdant greens of silver lady fern, blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) and bird’s nest fern add to the lushness. Cycads, Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’ and elephant ears keep your eyes at ground level, but follow the climbing Monstera deliciosa and remember to look up, too! While families gather at shaded picnic tables, birds take advantage of the garden’s protection and many sources of nectar.

NEED TO KNOW
Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay is open to the public daily. It is easily reached by ferry or train to Milsons Point. Two-hour metered street parking is also available. Birthday parties and other social gatherings require a permit from North Sydney Council (visit www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au). You can chat with the friendly gardeners from 7am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday.

Text by Ally Jackson
Photo by Jason Busch