I’ve loved walled gardens ever since I lost myself in the mists and moors and magic of “The Secret Garden.”

The idea of having a private place of beauty and wonder hidden away from the world was, to me, the most amazing thing.

I’ve seen posh walled gardens in Versailles where asparagus could be grown year-round for the king, this tidy canal house walled garden in Amsterdam with plants that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book and, this year, a charming walled country garden outside Launceston, Tasmania, the Brickendon Estate Gardens.

I arrived at the end of the day, and had the entire place to myself. For that afternoon, it was my own secret garden.

Built in the 1830’s by original settler William Archer, the gardens were designed to be more natural and wild-looking, avoiding the stark, manicured lawns and prim garden beds of previous gardening fashions.

The gardens grow around the lovely Georgian homestead that is still home to the 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of the Archer family.

It’s a rather wonderful old place, both elegant and comfortable, with walled gardens on either side and a sweeping carriage drive out front.

The Brickendon Estate gardens sprawl over 5 hectares and are dotted with myriad trees that range from exotic species brought in from India, Portugal, and Africa, to simple fruit and nut trees that provide the owners with rich harvests of mulberries, chestnuts, pears, and hazelnuts.

The lone Australian contribution to the gardens is the massive Bunya Bunya that towers over the property.

Isn’t it a beauty?

Shady pathways twist and turn around flower beds filled with frothy blooms, tangled vines, and feathery bushes.

My favourite bit of all was this delightfully dilapidated potting shed. The aged bricks and wonky roof line made me smile.

My solitary wander here was a lovely way to end my Launceston adventures, and I went to bed that night thoroughly inspired to create more beauty in my own gardens at home.

Do you like to visit gardens? If yes, what are some of your favourites? xo