Aerial Map for Feb 2 garden party, 10am-12midday

Click to enlarge

If you haven't been to Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden yet then you're in for a treat.  It's a special place, although friendlier to pedestrians than motorists.  Parking is mighty scarce in this area during the week - better on weekends when you can sometimes find unlimited parks in the nearby side-streets.   

Nearby landmarks include the Kirribilli Club in Harbourview Crescent (opp. Clarks Park, which is directly above Wendy's garden on the same slope) and the Harbourside Indian Restaurant at 5 Walker St,  Lavender Bay (cnr Lavender St) .  Wendy's garden is directly down the steps that run alongside this restaurant.

Please note: There are no bathrooms in the garden (However if anybody is desperate. Harbourside Indian has generously offered the use of their toilets - or there is a toilet block down by the water).

Also, high heels (other than e.g. wedge) are not recommended as there will be a treasure hunt and you may wish to explore the garden - it's worth it.  

Please note: Confetti is not allowed in the garden

If travelling by public transport which is a strategy we recommend:

TRAIN: 
Take the northern line and get off either in Milsons Point, or Nth Sydney station and walk from there

FERRY: 
You can catch the 9.40am Darling Harbor ferry from Circular Quay (wharf 5), get off at the 1st stop, Luna Park (Milson's Point) and walk along the foreshore (10 min walk) to the lavender bay wharf which is just underneath Wendy's garden.  

TAXI:
Silver Service Taxis: 133 100
Premier Cabs: 131 017
RSL Taxis: 95811111
Legion Cabs: 131451

CAR:
On weekends there is unrestricted parking on Arthur St opp Clark Park, or Walker St opp Harbourside Restaurant and other nearby sidestreets including Waiwera St on the LHS.  

Other parking options nearby: 

• Mirvac Parking - Greenwood Plaza, Pacific Highway, North Sydney (opp the station), $10/day flat rate, opens at 9am.
• Kirribilli RSL car park in Harbourview Crescent (close to garden) is $12/day, but unfortunately it doesn't open until midday on Saturdays.

A wedding registry?

Oooh dear, well as you know Matt and I are a tad older than your average newlyweds, so in terms of amassing stuff our cupboards are already packed full.  The truth is we're not sure we have room for anything else even if we wanted it.

In other words we love you, but we seriously don't want any more things.  If you would like to give us a wedding present we really appreciate the thought, but may we please request that either you donate to one of our nominated charities, (Conservation International, Beyond Pesticides, or Breastcancer.org) or alternatively we welcome donations ourselves either on the day (look for the wishing well - or speak to the parents of the bride), or to our joint account (BSB: 062692, Account Number: 15014698) where we two writers are madly saving up for a dream writers' retreat in the English countryside in late 2013/2014.  Who knows, maybe we'll even finish our respective novels while we're there!  If you decide on the latter option and you'd like us to know who you are then please be sure to note your name on the transfer.  Either way, please sign up for email alerts here so that you can be notified when we post a few pictures from the cold country.  Brrrrrr:)

Here's a bit more information about our nominated charities.  All accept online donations.  Also, all are rated 4 out of 4 stars on Charity Navigator, which is an aggregator site that rates charities based on criteria that include financial health, transparency and accountability.

Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. 

Founded in 1981, Beyond Pesticides (formerly National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides) works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. The organization's primary goal is to effect change through local action.

Breastcaner.org: Breastcancer.org is dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer, so that women can make the best decisions for their lives.

Meanwhile here are some photos of England snapped by Bronwin prior to her PhD studies:  

If you'd like to see Bronwin and Matt typing away together in this landscape please also remember to follow this blog via email so that you can be notified when new photos are posted.

The cottage in Lancashire where we hope to stay

Last, but by no means least, as far as we're concerned the time and skills of people we love also count for great presents so if you think you can help out on the day please let us know.