RIVERSTONE GARDENS

The gardens at Riverstone have grown from a bare plot of land, when Neil and Dot arrived here in 1983, full of stones and barely a tree to be seen, to the green and productive gardens they are today. Thanks to their hard work and green fingers, what was once just Dot and Neil’s home garden and a paddock on the farm, is now a 4ha site, which surrounds Riverstone Kitchen and the Riverstone Country giftshops. You can walk amongst the vegetable plots, berry canes, flower beds and under apple trees. There are three large bird aviaries and the children’s playground to also explore and enjoy.

The gardens are maintained by four full-time and two part-time gardeners, with Bevan and Dot overseeing operations. The vast vegetable gardens supply the restaurant with all their salad greens, herbs, and a selection of their vegetables. The menu in the restaurant reflects what is coming through from the garden each day and Bevan and the team knows how to use the produce to showcase the ingredients at their peak. During the summer months you will find zucchinis, tomatoes and fresh herbs dominate the menu and in the winter months, cavolo nero, Jerusalem artichokes and brussels sprouts become the stars of the show.  Year round the garden is the thriving, productive heart of Riverstone Kitchen, with Dot’s flower gardens framing it all.

There is something for everyone, so take the opportunity to take some time out, smell the roses and feel inspired.