Dalywaters was purchased by Anne and Daryl Neal in 1988 to provide a healthy outdoor environment for their family. Back then it was twelve acres of horse paddocks and with very little garden.

Gradually, as the children grew and left home, the garden began to take shape. First came the Picking Garden, cultivated for fragrant roses to be picked and sold to local florists. Such was the demand for the informal, fragrant bunches that an annual planting of more roses followed, culminating in the planting of over three thousand roses. With a backdrop of trees, vine covered pergolas and cottage gardens a captivating and charming country garden with six distinct rooms has evolved.

After the first Picking Garden the Tea House Garden was established with a rose laden traditional latticed tea house surrounded by hundreds of fragrant, long stemmed roses. Six years ago an ornamental lake with a substantial jetty and decking was added below the tea house. This has proved to be a popular place for weddings. A conservatory was also built at the rear of the house followed by a sheltered patio garden and a gazebo for smaller and more intimate weddings.

Soon after the Species Garden was planted, consisting of over a hundred old world roses planted in three concentric circles around a golden elm tree.

Five years later came the beautiful, romantic Delbard Garden. These French roses were introduced into Australia in 2003 and the Australian breeders approached the Neals to trial these gorgeous roses for their suitability for Australian conditions and as a source of bud-wood. A visit to Dalywaters is proof of their adaptability and outstanding performance.

Such was the demand from couples to be married in these gardens that the idea for a charming chapel has become a reality. This beautiful structure, made from white painted weatherboards, lattice and a turret reminiscent of New England has been planted out with forty five climbing white roses surrounded by sixty ornamental pear trees and grape vines. The chapel overlooks a wetland area and it is approached through old iron gates and a vine-covered bridal walk over sixty metres long.

Roses are picked daily by Anne from mid-October to April. Weddings are “the icing on the cake” in this very special garden.