Nurseries and Rural Villages
Nurseries & Rural Villages
Sydney’s Hills district, on the metropolis’ north-western edge, and the Hawkesbury region that borders it are a pleasant mix of farmland, bush and spacious residential living. Take a discovery tour through district’s undulating landscape which is dotted with villages, like Galston, Dural, Brooklyn, Wisemans Ferry and St Albans, and is traced by creeks and streams that feed the mighty Hawkesbury River. The villages played an interesting part in Sydney’s history and have fascinating stories of their own. These villages and their rural surroundings support an array of nurseries, from wholesale flower growers to bonsai specialists.
The nurseries aim to make your visit an enjoyable experience and many of the garden centres have cafés or restaurants.
There are so many nurseries in the region that you’ll never be short of choice or ideas for your garden. Bali Garden, in Maraylya, specialises in personally selected Balinese garden artefacts including pottery, furniture, stone carvings and textiles. These pieces are truly unique; you’re not going to find them elsewhere unless you know artists in Bali. House of Herbs and Roses is another unique nursery with two acres of beautiful gardens to relax in and enjoy the light refreshments provided. Whether you’re after herbs, water plants, trees, roses, annuals, shrubs or garden ornaments, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. The nurseries have plenty of horticultural experts on hand to advise you on any pressing garden problems and to offer information on your purchases. At Galston enjoy lunch or coffee at Greenshades Café which is located in the centre of a boutique nursery. This delightful café is great in summer as it is shaded by far-reaching trees and during winter there is a crackling log fire inside, and gas lantern type heaters in the courtyard.
Make return visits over the four seasons and enjoy a different experience every time. During late spring, keep an eye out for fields of colourful flowers bound for the Sydney market – a splendid vision.
Fresh, crisp, crunchy, juicy and just picked!
The region’s villages are surrounded by farms and orchards. During the changing seasons you can expect to see an array of fresh fruit and vegetables available at roadside stalls. Buy from the farm gate and experience truly fresh produce. At some growers’ stalls you can sample jams and preserves and have a chat with the people who grew the ingredients, combined them with care and put their heart and soul into their land.
See also:
- Parks and Reserves
- River Boating
- Must Do Activities
- Bella Vista Farm Park
- Art, Crafts, Antiques and Markets
- Nurseries and Rural Villages
- Farm Gate Trail
- St Albans
- Wisemans Ferry
- Picnic Spots and Reserves
- Walk the Bushlands of Bidjigal
- Blaze The Convict Trail
- Sydney Hills Environment
- Things To See and Do Home
- Visitor Information Home