An iconic nursery brought back to life in recent years has reopened under new ownership.
Angela and David Wright have taken over the historic Fairhill Native Botanic Gardens, transforming the venue with extensive renovations.
Located on 8.4 hectares at Ninderry, the new chapter also sees former Spirit House chef Daniel Gregory bring his culinary flair to the onsite restaurant.
The property was sold to the Wrights in July after the previous owners spent nearly four years rejuvenating the venue.
Fairhill was first established in 1975 on former dairy land and by the late 1980s and early 1990s it was one of the most prominent native nurseries in Australia.
The site was largely abandoned after the original owners retired in 2002.
With a motto of “happiness is in our nature”, the Wrights will use their experience running nearby organic farm Bamboo Park for their new venture.
As well as changes to the restaurant, the longhouse is becoming a garden centre and farm shop stocking artisan foods and drinks from local farmers, growers, gardeners, producers and suppliers.
Ms Wright said the family was excited to share their love of Fairhill with visitors.
“We are overjoyed to welcome fellow gardeners, families, and guests to this magical property and are proud to support local suppliers and horticulturists,” she said.
“This opportunity to share our passion for native plants, delicious food and memorable experiences is our gift to other families.
“We aim to foster a deep connection with the land and the wonderful community around us.”
Since reopening under its new name, Fairhill Courtyard Cafe Bar Restaurant, the restaurant has already gained acclaim receiving a ‘Diners Choice Award’ based on diners’ reviews.
With Mr Gregory at the helm, the restaurant embraces hyper-local culinary excellence using wagyu beef from local farms, Bamboo Park pasture-raised pork and eggs.
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Ms Wright said a Devonshire tea reflected the family’s English heritage, with house-made scones and clotted cream also on offer at Fairhill.
“Guests also enjoy seasonal, local and native ingredients – for example, the seasonal preserves using local strawberries and lemon aspen bush-tucker berries,” she said.
The nursery will use an environmentally friendly approach to deliver plants without synthetic chemicals, aligning with current gardening habits.
“The nursery is favoured by gardening lovers due to the experienced native horticulturists on hand with ready advice, and large numbers of outstanding native and complementary plants,” Ms Wright said.
“Horticulturists and hobbyists alike are ditching old fashioned ways of gardening in favour of biodiversity, with a noted increase in beautiful and environmentally friendly gardens.”
Ms Wright said Fairhill is open to the public, with well-mannered dogs welcome.
“Fairhill is not just a place to shop or dine, it is an experience, a gathering place for families, gardeners, and food lovers to come together and experience happiness in nature,” she said.
Fairhill Gardens is located at 114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry. It is open Thursday to Monday from 8am to 4.30pm. Restaurant bookings can be made on 5343 7906 or via Open Table.
