National Trust Herb Garden

This charming laneway, with the National Heritage Listed Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse on the right, was originally called Christie's Row after bootmaker Christopher Sharam who built the first dwellings, and later Wilsons Lane after another early inhabitant, noted market gardener, William Wilson. After settlement it became an English Lane planted with hawthorn, red and white roses and fruit trees blossoming in season. It has now become the jewel in the crown of the Penola Branch of the National Trust of South Australia, which owns and maintains six historic buildings on the Lane and manages the following with the indispensable help of local volunteers:

The Lavender Farm:
First created by Simon and Deb Cox from 1999-2008, now maintained by the Branch with the help of an Alpaca, Goldie, and some sheep.

The Herb Garden:
A popular and prosperous venture first established by Graham and Jenny Hinze in 2001 and then managed by National Trust member Kate Spencer from 2006-2019 and, presently, by neighbours and National Trust member Lynne and Geoffrey Karl.

The Murrell Block:
Purchased in 2008 and now the new home of a Heritage Rose Garden sponsored by Heritage Roses Australia Inc and planted by Rose Society of South Australia and National Trust member Sue Zwar. Recently added to the block is 1860's McAdam Hut. James Robert McAdam