Shopping Guide: Heronswood Gardens & Nursery
Heronswood Gardens: An Experienced Shopper's Guide
Why You Should Visit
- A Historical Setting: The location offers a unique experience, featuring a stunning historical building, a heritage building which houses the cafe. The architecture alone is worth admiring, inside and out.
- Charming Gardens: You'll find charming gardens, perfect for a gentle stroll, whatever the weather. The grounds are well-maintained, creating a relaxing and magical environment. The gardens offer changing views, making each visit unique.
- Stunning Views: Shoppers can expect beautiful views of the bay from the gardens. The vista is likely to be especially rewarding.
- Excellent Cafe: The on-site cafe offers a small, simple menu with seasonal options, including vegetarian choices. The food is considered good. You can also find delightful sourdough bread with dips. Be aware that the cafe's open hours are limited; they close by 3 pm.
- Unique Plant Selection: The location offers a great range of unique plants, including heirloom varieties. The on-site nursery is a highlight for many visitors.
- Well-Stocked Shop: The shop offers endless handy and delightful bits and pieces for the house and garden. You’ll find gardening tools, and a large range of heirloom seeds.
- Photography Opportunities: The site is great for photography, with various picturesque spots and different things to discover.
- Easy to Navigate: The gardens are easy to navigate, and no maps are provided or required.
- Dog-Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Various Events: The gardens host a selection of festivals, events, workshops, and masterclasses throughout the year. Check the website for details.
- Convenient Parking: Easy and free parking is available on site.
- Hidden Features: You might stumble upon a tire swing within the garden.
- Staff: Volunteers are helpful and made visits enjoyable.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Entry Fee: Be aware that there is an entry fee to enter the garden. Adult entry is $15.00, with free entry for children. However, membership is available.
- Potential for Poor Maintenance: Some visitors have reported that the gardens were poorly maintained and overgrown. Others have stated that the gardens are in great condition.
- Limited Accessibility: While some accessibility is available, due to the steep incline of the land, access may be limited in some areas.
- Cafe Hours: The cafe closes by 3 pm. Consider this if you're planning a late afternoon visit.
- Overgrown Areas: There have been reports of overgrown walkways.
- Pricey Nursery: The nursery is on the pricey side.
- Closed Restaurant: The restaurant in the garden was being renovated and closed.
