Francesca Park History

Francesca Park is situated at Springwood in the Blue Mountains some 80
kilometres west of Sydney. The area enjoys a mild and equable temperate
climate, in fact, according to a worldwide survey conducted many years
ago by National Geographic, one of the most suitable for human
existence.

The site, some three and half acres, or 13640 square metres facing
north-east, was chosen by June Leech-Larkin nearly fifty years ago,
specifically for the purpose of building a substantial private botanic
garden of superior design.

It is germane to point out that June Leech-Larkin had herself been
brought up in a property of over three acres, which her father, Robert
Leech had gardened beautifully over some 40 years. Leech gardens, the
physic gardens of the monasteries, had of course long been a
preoccupation of the Leech family.

The house which nestles gently into the site, not overwhelming the garden,
was built in 1965 as accommodation for a growing family. A start had
been made to the garden prior to this, and this continued after the family
moved its main residence back to Sydney for schooling.

Many of the camellias and rhododendrons in the Park date from these
early days, and are therefore some 50 years old. Over the ensuing years,
many trees and shrubs were planted, particularly on the perimeter.

In 1988, June Leech-Larkin's second son, Lucien, commenced major
efforts to bring the design vision of his mother to fruition. In the mid-
nineties a plan was drawn up and submitted to the local authorities, the
Blue Mountains City Council, for approval of a garden design and
concept which would most appropriately contain and display the already
substantial botanic collection within.

Work continued apace according to the design enunciated by June Leech-
Larkin, and in 1998, Francesca Park opened to the public for the first
time.

Being a major opus in botanic terms, and in fact, virtually a living
organism, work does not cease at Francesca Park. The necessity of
providing the best possible cultural conditions for the collection, growth
of trees, shrubs, and perennials, means constant changes and additions
obtain.

There are over 100,000 bulbs in the garden, over 200 camellias,
rhododendrons and azaleas. Thousands of agapanthus line pathways, and
there are some 2000 cliveas of different hues. The many perennial
specimens are displayed in a natural setting along half a kilometre of
paths.

A fernery, geodesic dome, and glasshouse provide settings and the
requisite cultural conditions for ferns, orchids, epiphyllums, and related
collections.

A dozen timber pergolas show the climbers, including various roses, and
wisterias to advantage.

Some 400 square metres of locally quarried sandstone has been utilised on
the sloping site for terraces, retaining walls, and the steps traversing the
gardens.

In the creation of Francesca Park many items of more than passing
historical interest have been incorporated into the gardens. "The Horse
Gates", or hitching rails at the top of the rear driveway once belonged to
Sir George Reid, onetime Prime Minister of Australia. These cast iron
gates were constructed at the St Pancras Ironworks, London. They were
restored in 2005 by Duncan Piggott, working out of the foundry at
Eloura (Blue Mountains Disabilities), at the direction of June Leech-Larkin.

A substantial convict sandstone wall was built in the mid 1990s by
Adrian Leech-Larkin. The material used was saved by June Leech-Larkin
from demolishers in Sydney, who were tearing down the HQ of the Royal
Blind Society on the corner of William and Boomerang Streets.

Francesca Park, it is anticipated, will continue to develop and provide
much pleasure for the garden-loving public. We have furnished a number
of photographs for readers to sample on our pictures page.
We hope that these photos convey something of the atmosphere
of sanctuary with which Francesca Park envelops those who work within
or who are able to visit.

Francesca Park was so named by June Leech-Larkin in memory of her
paternal grandmother, Francesca Rosetta Leech, nee Turk.