Shipley
Gardens surround a 17th century Wye Valley Homestead standing upon
the site of previous dwellings that since Roman times have
administered the adjacent ford and former ferry. The Gardens created
during the last 40 years by the Author & Landscape Architect - Bob
Macadie, are set within 30 acres of mixed environmental habitats as
a magical structure of garden rooms moulded into the base of the
escarpment next to the flood plain of the valley floor. There are
unique atmospheric Tea Rooms and Garden rooms of surprise and
informality with lecterns of whimsical information. A home to many
hundreds of labelled temperate climate wild plants that intermix and
jostle with cultivated varieties amid structures of rare and
interesting ornamental trees and shrubs. The gardens are managed as
a home for birds; insects; butterflies and small mammals. Gardens of
tranquillity; humour and learning within a setting of scenic
grandeur.
