Twelve new Cyprus trees were planted by Buda’s Garden Curator Dianne Thomson and volunteers this week. 

The trees replace Buda’s landmark hedge that sadly reached the end of its life last year. 

Forty-seven tonne of dead wood was removed with the help of a grant from the Australian Garden History Society. 

Buda volunteers have spent the past year composting and replenishing the soil to give the new hedge the best possible start.

With the 12 new trees in place, the vista from the Buda house is now similar to one depicted in an 1869 photograph when the original hedge was in its infancy.

“This garden continues to evolve and give pleasure to everyone who visits it,” says Dianne who has worked at Buda for 22 of the 30 years it has been open to the public. 

Unlike the Leviny’s late gardener, Walter Cross, Dianne is adamant that she will retire well before the age of 80. “In another 100 years hopefully there will still be a garden eurator caring for this hedge but it won’t be me,” she laughed.

Recently Tom Minchin, a descendent of Ilma Leviny, visited Buda and on behalf of the family paid tribute to the care being given to the property. 

“We are so pleased that it is in such good hands,” he told guests at the annual Josine McEwan Dinner. 

Buda Historic Home and Garden is open from Wednesday through to Sunday each week.