Our little piece of paradise in Cooktown
Head Gardener Gwenda Pini
Our three acre block of mesophyll vine forest has rich red volcanic soil - perfect for any keen gardener.
The rainforest canopy ranges from 20 to 50 metres in height shading 80% of the block. The forest floor, the dense middle layer and the upper canopy allow many different types of plants to thrive. Some of the tallest trees have large spreading crowns and buttressed root systems.
In the front garden our most distinctive tree is a strangler fig which began life as an epiphyte. The seeds were dispersed by birds and germinated in the crevice of another tree. The seedling has grown roots downward and enveloped the host tree while also growing upward to reach the sun. The original support tree will die eventually leaving a central empty core.
Over the years the garden has been changing. New plantings have resulted in a colourful mix of plants. Many different colours of frangipani lend colour and perfume while in the shade garden gingers, bromeliads and orchids thrive. In the sunnier area of the block we grow hibiscus, ixora, acalyphas, many bulbs and a range of ornamental shrubs.
More recently we have started to grow succulents and this collection is expanding daily.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our tropical garden amidst the rainforest
Cooktown and Cape York Website
Visitors Guide
