banksia farm

The Banksia Farm actually started as a private collectors garden and still is, Now they have every single type of banksia from all over all over Australia, even those that grow only in one tiny section of the country. Ok, you may wonder what's so interesting about looking at nearly 80 plants from the same species and think once you've seen 5-6 you've seen them all. But no, they're in fact very different with some not even looking like the typical banksia flower cone. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens and be amazed by the variety of shapes and colour. But make sure you get some intro by Kevin on how banksias grow and spawn - the technologies those plants have created is unbelievable. Kevin is a lovely host, wonderful storyteller and the living encyclopedia of this plant.Banksia farm runs a B&B too and though we didn't stay there, the place looked lovely.

A keen gardener I had been looking forward to this visit and it didn't disappoint. Kevin has collected every variety of native Banksia that grows in Australia. It is a stunning achievement and so wonderful to see mature specimens of these plants. He has a massed an amazing amount of knowledge about the plants and is very willing to share his expertise. $20 dollars gets you tea or coffee and a scone,a fascinating story about the origins of the collection and a superb walk around the garden. There are lots of great books for sale and seeds from most of the species in the garden. A must for gardeners.

We recently stayed for 2 nights and were pleased with the facilities and the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. The house was built of stone with jarrah floors inside and furnished Federation style. The owners provide a home made breakfast of fruit, yogurt, cereal, jams and toast from bread that they baked that morning, the smell of it goes right through the house!The owners are native flora specialists and the house and cafe on the property reflect it. Breakfast is served in the gallery. Kevin and Jenny are involved in the communityMt Barker is a nice little town with an award winning bakery, always good.