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 26^th 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