Mirador Springs - The Garden

The Gardens & Surrounds

Mirador Springs Retreat sits on 15 acres on top of the Strzelecki Ranges and offers panoramic views across the valley to the Baw Baw mountains.  The Strzelecki Ranges was originally a rain forest, lush with gigantic tree ferns and grass trees.  As we do, man cleared the forest for farming with this area predominant in potatoes.  Hence our luck with soil with potato farming turning the heavy clay soil into well drained slightly acidic soil, just perfect for trees and plants.

Reg Fazanni, London born and with an Italian father and a British mother, was the first owner of Mirador Springs when the farmlands was subdivided.  It was Reg who carved the terraces and many paths around Mirador Springs.  He and his wife Val were instrumental in creating a beautiful estate.  The botanic-like gardens cover nearly 10 of the 15 acres with the remaining 5 as home for our animals. You will note the strong influence of European trees making Mirador Springs Retreat a garden for all seasons.

Cobble stone steps to The Spring

Sadly, when we purchased Mirador Springs in 2021, the property had been let go.  We were faced with clearing 4 acres of blackberries, 170 yukkas, never ending agapanthus and those horrid pittosporum. What were once paths had disappeared under the overgrowth.  Trees and large shrubs had been neglected and had not been cut back in decades. For the first week we were here I did nothing but cry.  We had no idea of the scale of work that was ahead of us.  And so it began…

First the blackberries, then day by day we chopped, cut back, chain-sawed and dug deep to remove the invasive weeds.  There were also no steps in the garden when we arrived and I had a huge problem on wet days trying to walk down the steep inclines (usually with a glass of happiness) only to end up sliding down instead.  And that led us to the bluestone steps you shall see throughout the property.  They are also a lovely place to sit and take in the view.  We are still experimenting with planting and have had a few failures.  What has been amazing was the installation of 26 thirty year old olive trees.  Trying to keep the Italian influence we knew we had to have an olive grove.  This sits below The Tuscan pool and really does give you the feeling of Italy which is what we want to bring to our guests.

Tuscan Pool Terrace above the Olive Grove

As you shall see the property is short of flat areas - probably the only down side to living on a ridge.  So we decided to create The Tuscan pool and entertainment area using terracing.  The pool has sunlounges for guests.  This leads to the next terrace which is The Dining Terrace which has a large rustic table and seating for 10.  The Lounge Terrace flows from this with wing back chairs and marble tables and wood burning fireplace made from amazing historical bricks. 

The mature trees throughout the property include oaks, maples, cypresses, gum trees, date palms, fir trees, birch, waratah, banksias, chestnut trees and so many more.  Hedging includes both privet and box.  Springtime blooms are stunning.  Particularly the cottage influenced garden situated next to The Spring.  Here you shall find foxglove, hyacinths, russel lupins and more.  The colours are breathtaking.

It is to the north and the east of The Spring you shall see our reforestation with tree ferns and grass trees.  We have planted over 200 so far but need another 200 to create a natural rainforest.  All in good time 🙂

The Silver Birch walk is stunning with the silvery trunks and green moss path.  We have recently planted 200 lily of the valley bulbs in this area and are keeping everything crossed they will succeed.

The Silver Birch Walk below the Cottage

The Orchard was here when we arrived but again had been badly neglected.  We are now giving it the love it deserves and in return is producing some beautiful produce.  The Orchard produces apples, plums, orange, bergamot orange, mandarin, figs, lemons, limes, grapefruit, macadamia nuts, peaches and persimmon.  Guests are invited to help themselves to what is available but me mindful to keep some for other guests, and us 🙂

The Bosco is located in front of The Luxe Glamping Experience.  You shall see the 2 piers at the entrance.  This is a quiet walk through a small woodland, and another way to reach The Spring.

On your right is The Secret Garden.  We have bought it back to life a couple of times but as you shall see, it needs constant attention.  We aim to have this as The Contemplation Garden - a place to enjoy quiet and the senses. 

The Spring homes a few water lilies which are a delight when in flower.  Also please look out for the fish who enjoy popping their heads up for a hello.

Water Lillies in The Springs

As with all gardens, they are never finished.