Catherine and Darren O’Brien

Limited wheelchair access, No dogs

Located: Bolwarra

Maitland CWA scones with tea and coffee

Maitland Garden Club plant stall

Toilets available here

Garden Grove Estate, located in the picturesque region of Bolwarra, was purchased by Darren O’Brien in 2011. Originally owned by the Worboys family, the property was once a bustling vegetable packing farm over 50 years ago. Since its acquisition, Darren has transformed the estate into a vibrant and welcoming venue.

The original shed has been carefully restored to working condition. At the time of purchase, the property had no gardens or trees. Over time, the gardens have flourished, with the initial plantings serving as windbreaks. Today, the estate features a diverse and colorful landscape.

The Barn at Garden Grove Estate now serves as a charming venue for functions, weddings, charity events, and wakes.

Darren’s mother, Catherine, plays an active role in maintaining the gardens. The estate includes a thriving orchard, a vegetable garden, and a lively flock of chickens that produce fresh eggs daily.

The rose garden features banksia roses, with most of the plants propagated on-site. The grounds are adorned with jacarandas, flame trees, and silky oaks, creating a vibrant display of purple, red, and yellow hues. Bulbs such as daffodils, snowdrops, jonquils, and irises add seasonal charm, alongside a variety of Australian natives and grevilleas.

The orchard boasts a selection of fruit trees, including avocados, mandarins, limes, oranges, figs, and even pineapples.

Both the house and the barn overlook an expansive turf farm cultivating Sir Walter Turf. The garden maintains a traditional ‘farm’ aesthetic, blending functionality with natural beauty.

Darren O’Brien has generously welcomed the Maitland CWA ladies to prepare and serve Devonshire teas within the Barn. Additionally, the Maitland Garden Club will be hosting a plant stand on the premises to raise funds for their initiatives.