Lisgar Gardens
Gardens Overview
Hornsby gardens started in the early 1950’s. In 1967, the Hornsby Shire Council purchased the garden. The name, Lisgar Gardens, presumably stems from Baron Lisgar, namely John Young GCB GCMG PC. the twelfth governor of New South Wales from 1861–67. Young was raised to the peerage as Baron Lisgar, of Lisgar and Bailieborough, in the County of Cavan, Ireland, on 26th October 1870. It is supposed, at least in part, that the name Lisgar, is a recognition of Young’s services to the State.
The gardens were opened to the public in 1968 and feature 2.6 hectares of sheltered, terraced plantings of exotic and indigenous plant species and cultivars. Situated at the head of Blue Gum Valley, they are locally known as ‘The Secret Gardens’. The serenity of Lisgar Gardens is a tribute to Max Cotton’s passion for landscaped gardens, trees, shrubs, and Camellias as well as the inspired craftsmanship of Cyril Jago, a local stonemason and bricklayer.
Map of Lisgar Gardens
Our Camellias
In the early 1950’s rhododendrons, azaleas, gardenias, and other exotics sympathetic with native trees and ferns were planted. Concurrently 80 Camellias were planted and many of these are now over 60 years old, e.g. Camellia japonica ‘Cassandra’. Also growing in the gardens are specimens of Max Cotton’s namesake, namely Camellia japonica ‘Max Cotton’ and its first exhibition in 1956 drew the attention of the world-renowned Camellia enthusiast, Professor E. G. Waterhouse. Currently, the garden hosts over 250 cultivars and species, with a peak flowering of Camellias from July to August.
C. japonica ‘Brushfield's Yellow’
C. reticulata x C. japonica ‘Dr. Clifford Parks’
C. japonica ‘Black Magic’
Contact Details
Lisgar Road, Hornsby,
New South Wales, 2077,
Australia
Phone: +61 (02) 98476666
Email: hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Visitor information
Opening Times
Weekdays 8am-3.30pm
Weekends 10am to 4pm (5pm during daylight savings).
The gardens are closed public holidays and during adverse weather conditions.
Facilities
Limited parking: (the gardens are a short walk (10 minutes) from Hornsby Railway Station).
Disabled access: An inclinator which provides access and egress to the garden for people with disabilities. It serves from Lisgar Road to the Pavilion and Formal Lawn areas. Please contact Hornsby Shire Council if you need to use the inclinator.
Facilities
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