Graham visits The Bungalow & Ivy Leaf Chapel
We are proud to share that The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel hosted the renowned Mr. Graham Ross and the Better Homes and Gardens film crew during their New England Tour in December 2022. Our captivating garden was featured in the episode, which aired on April 14th, 2023.
Discover the outstanding Better Homes & Gardens segment by watching the video below or visiting their official website via the provided link.
Visit the Gardens & Chapel
We warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of our gardens and the serene atmosphere of the Ivy Leaf Chapel. Whether you are an individual, a small group, or bus tour, we welcome you to explore our enchanting grounds.
To arrange a private tour of the gardens and chapel, please contact Kim in advance of your visit by either email or phone.This consideration ensures that our B&B guests and events remain undisturbed, while providing you with a truly unforgettable experience.
The pricing for a private garden tour begins at $20 for an individual, with an additional $10 per person thereafter. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our picturesque property and sharing the enchantment of our gardens and chapel with you.
The Gardens
My Story
The Bungalow, circa 1915, stands amidst 1.5 acres of lush gardens. When I purchased the property in 2010, there was all of a manicured stretch of grass in the front yard, a magnificent old pine tree in the front eastern corner, and in the back paddock stood several straggly gums.
After a year deliberating on a design for the front yard, the first sod was turned and there was no stopping the momentum. I created a formal design using repeat planting of Berberis rosey glow, Spirea thunbergii, crepe myrtle and lavender, all within low hedges of box.
A year on, I had barely finished planting my front garden when I was shocked to learn I had breast cancer. After 18 months of gruelling treatment and the tumour spreading, I was given a short time to live. Sent home to put my feet up, I attended a meditation retreat which, I believe, changed my life and my health started to improve despite the poor prognosis.
Not one to be down for long, the structure of the back garden began evolving by the end of 2013, which gave me something to focus on when the physical effects of the medical treatments were overwhelming. The soft English style of the back garden uses repeat planting again, utilising grasses, salvia, acanthus, gaura and ground covers edged with soft curves of teucrium and box hedges, all planted under a canopy of deciduous trees, with a few spiralled conifers adding a whimsical theme.
After a visit to Japan, the bare paddock at the far end of the backyard sparked a new design – for my Ivy Leaf Chapel. With the help of my eldest son and his school CAD programme, we designed a large living structure entwined in boston ivy. It's not quite a temple, but a structure symbolising the same - a place of contemplation and tranquility. Although a very spontaneous creation at the time, I never really knew if I'd be alive to see it grow into it's now seasonal beauty. It was built during the winter of 2016, more garden beds were created during the summer, trees were bare root planted during the following winter and finally a low stone wall was built a few years on to give it its final touches.
Since then many couples have celebrated their weddings here, as well as family photoshoots, high tea parties, long table events, Open Gardens, and of course, a consistent flow of guests staying in my BnB.
Gardening has been more than a hobby, it’s been a lifeline. It’s become an incredible source of strength, resilience and hope. Through the seasons I've planted, nurtured and watched life bloom all around me, and the connection between the soil, my garden and my wellbeing is undeniable. Above all, I am so grateful to still be here and have the opportunity to share my garden with so many people.
I look forward to sharing my garden with you.
Kim.
