Interview Recording
Interview Transcript
Tim Hughes and Sal Molesworth interviewed on 12 May 2024 by Liz Chappell and Lynne Walker
Synopsis
Tim Hughes and Sal Molesworth moved to Lilburn, originally an outstation for Rangers Valley Station, near Glen Innes in 2000. Lilburn was Tim’s family home and he recounts its rich colonial history. His g.g.g grandfather, Oswald Bloxsome was among the first European settlers in the district in 1838.
Tim and Sal took on the repair, restoration and reinterpretation of Lilburn’s garden with enthusiasm. They articulate their philosophy for the historic garden with selection of plants appropriate to the period of the garden’s establishment (1880-1920) and in keeping with the core architecture of the homestead.
They acknowledge the influence of other heritage gardens in the area such as Invergowrie near Armidale and Salisbury Court, Uralla. Tim and Sal have brought back structural, textured plants such as yucca, agave and succulents that had fallen out of favour and reinstated the central circular rose bed, now planted with the heritage variety Quatre Saisons.
They have rejuvenated privet and spirea hedges and removed invasive bamboo, preserving the original footprint of the garden layout. Lilburn first opened for Australia’s Open Garden Scheme in 2008 and has since welcomed several garden tours and charities.