Seasonal transition

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Seasonal transition

“In Bowral, the changing of the seasons is proudly marked” – The opening line of our Waterbrook Bowral video. Indeed, this is especially appropriate when the warmth of Summer makes way for the cool of Autumn. The mornings are misty, the evening air becomes chilled, and the deciduous trees, vines & shrubs of the Southern Highlands explode into a mass of colour; amber, gamboge, carmine, scarlet and auburn. The air carries the scent of woodsmoke, and if you take a stroll on dusk, you will see the glow of the many backyard firepits that have been being built up through the summer months.

We are so fortunate that the site of our future Waterbrook Bowral Retirement Lifestyle Resort already has extensive historic gardens, including many established European trees and shrubs. Each season brings new discoveries, and Autumn is a particularly beautiful revelation, especially this year after the late summer rainfall we so gratefully received. Due to this, the brown, drought-stricken growth has become the brilliant green for which this area is renowned
and complementing the stunning Autumn colour perfectly.

We look forward to restoring the grounds and gardens to their former glory for our Residents, their friends and families and wider Bowral community to enjoy, and as a magnificent living memorial to the forethought of the original planners and planters.

Uncovering pathways

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Uncovering pathways

Every week, something new is bought to our attention at our Southern Highlands Waterbrook site. Whether it be the roof going on our display residence which is currently under construction, or the uncovering of something from a bygone era, there is never a dull moment!

Recently, our groundsman uncovered a leafy pathway meandering along the front of the buildings, originally used to get from the school down to the bottom flats and creek. Along the length of it runs a beautifully preserved drystone retaining wall built from rock which was extracted from the Mount Gibraltar quarries known as Bowral Trachyte. This is special because “The Gib”, as Mount Gibraltar is commonly called, is clearly visible from our Retirement Lifestyle Resort site.

Even though the quarries were located locally, the rock was mainly shipped to Sydney for use in buildings that are now listed on the State Heritage Register such as the QVB, the ANZAC Memorial, Martin Place and Challis House. The quarries are no longer operational (production ceased in 1986 after 100 years of constant extraction) and are listed as historically significant sites due to the contribution of Bowral Trachyte to the built history of New South Wales.

We feel very lucky to be able to give this amazing rock a new lease of life within our landscaping plan.  Here’s to more discoveries!

Meet Our Landscape Architect

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Let us introduce you to Waterbrook Bowral’s
Head Landscape Architect – Julian Brady!

Julian is a registered landscape architect affiliated with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Julian has tertiary qualifications in Landscape Architecture where he was awarded honours and tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science.

Having over 18 years’ experience and knowledge of landscape design, Julian has developed a reputation for delivering a highly professional and personalised design service winning excellence and innovation in landscape design.

Julian has had extensive private and government experience in residential and commercial projects including single/multi-residential, mixed use developments, hotels, resorts & spas, hospitals, infrastructure developments (roads & airports), industrial estates and aged care developments.

Julian was General Manager of Jamie Durie¹s design practice Patio for 6 years, during which time Patio won over 20 awards including Gold Medal with Flemings Nursery at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK. Julian has designed and completed large development projects throughout Australia, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the UAE.

Julian is so excited to be working on our Waterbrook Bowral project.  Not only does he love iconic, old gardens, he loves working with the individual to ensure their garden is an extension of their home and personality.  Julian’s concept for the garden is all about honouring the old and meshing the new.

Julian will be talking all things Waterbrook Bowral gardens in February 2020 at the historic Harper’s Mansion.

If you are interested in purchasing plants – Julian has a store at Miranda and online – www.sdstudios.com.au. It’s worth visiting!

Jewel In The Crown

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Jewel In The Crown

As part of our extensive landscape plan, we will be restoring the original garden around the main building and the chapel to its former glory for all Residents and their visitors to enjoy.

Located to the north of the rose garden is a magnificent 100- year-old oak tree, which our landscape architect says is “The Jewel in the Crown” of the garden. With its impressive domed canopy and broadly branching habit, it certainly provides a “wow” factor.

In Winter, the bare branches allow the warmth of filtered sunlight through, in Summer the bright green foliage provides welcome relief from the hot sun. During Spring the branches are filled with sprays of tiny green flowers and new leaf growth and in Autumn it explodes into a mass of vibrant yellows, reds and orange.

We are very proud to be the custodians of this most wonderful gift of nature.