Visit to the open garden Cruden Farm. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's place.

CRUDEN FARM VISIT

Late last year I took the 2 hour drive from Macedon to Cranbourne to see Cruden Farm. Cruden Farm is the property of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (mother of Rupert Murdoch). The property comprises of 135 acres of land which is massive considering its location. The original garden was the 1930 creation of the famous Edna Walling who was responsible for many garden designs back in those times. The garden now, however, is almost solely from the vision of Elisabeth Murdoch. Its main features are a walled garden, native garden, lake area, a piccking garden and a long driveway lined with Corymbia citriodora (lemon scented gum) trees. When I was there the garden was packed with visitors as I believe is was the first opening since Elisabeth Murdoch passed away.

The picture below is of the first garden bed I saw upon entering the garden. The conspiracy theorists out there will probably love the fact there is an owl on top of that frame.

Alstroemerias I believe.

I view of the house which considering Elisabeth Murdochs wealth appeared almost low key.

Entrance to the walled garden. You think they would have packed up that hose before the opening. 

One of several statues inside the walled garden. It looks like a Bruno Torf creation but I don't know for sure.

Some fine topiary at the entrance of the picking garden

Inside the picking garden. This picture gives you an idea as to how many people were there that day.

A poppy in all its glory.

These 2 lemon trees situated to the side of the picking garden had more fruit on them than any other lemon tree I have seen.

English box hedged to create lines in the picking garden. It isn't often you see it pruned with that tapering shape.

A frame of sweet peas.

It is a little hard to make out from the picture below but it is actually a climbing rose trained on a frame to make it look like a small tree.

Lakes and willow trees.

Hydrangeas in pristine condition considering this was in the middle of a heat wave.

More of the lake areas.

The driveway lined with lemon scented gums. 

Dancing Brolga statue at the entrance to the walled garden.