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![syd-wongaburra BUSHFIRE 2013[1] copy](https://gardendrum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/syd-wongaburra-BUSHFIRE-20131-copy.jpg)
‘Wongaburra’ garden in Kurrajong Heights west of Sydney was, quite literally, saved from burning down in the recent NSW bushfires and will still open on 9 & 10 November!
Despite the garden suffering damage due to smoke, extreme heat and lack of water (which had to be used for firefighting), the owners of ‘Wongaburra’ in Kurrajong Heights have generously decided to go ahead with opening their garden to the public as scheduled.
The owners say that although there is damage, the garden is still beautiful and will be filled with special activities, including a harpist, plant sales, teas, and bespoke arts and crafts.
They will donate their share of the proceeds to the Kurrajong heights Rural Fire Service, members of which saved their home during the bushfires.
I’ve just been chatting to Caroline Quinn who along with her husband Pat owns Wongaburra. It’s a lovely garden. Caroline doesn’t water so things will be dry but visitors will see plants that are true survivors. Bring a note pad to gather ideas. The garden wasn’t under immediate threat from fire – Caroline asked me to make this clear. The above report is misleading. Properties on the Great Western Highway side, in Bell, Clarence,Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine sustained damage and thanks to an amazing effort by the RFS, houses in Mt Tomah, Bilpin and Mountain Lagoon were saved. The fires never closely approached Kurrajong Heights and Wongaburra. The dramatic photo taken from Wongaburra shows smoke pouring over Kurrajong Heights, from the Bilpin area towards Sydney. So………come along to Wongaburra and Longleat Farm in Kurmond another good garden open over the same weekend. See plants that survive. Funds are being directed to the RFS at Wongaburra and to an education centre in Africa at Longleat Farm.
Peta Trahar, Bilpin. Selector Open Gardens Australia and friend of Caroline.