Cockington Green Gardens

07/07/2026

🔎 Where’s DOUGY?

While Dougy is chilling out today, he wanted to remind everyone that his 50% OFF online birthday special is still available throughout July, so there’s still plenty of time to visit Cockington Green Gardens and join the celebrations.

Happy 88th Birthday, Dougy! 🎉

06/07/2026

🎉 Happy 88th Birthday, Doug! 🎉

From our family…

Today we celebrate an incredible man.

A devoted husband to our beautiful Mum, Brenda, a much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather, and the visionary who, together with Mum, founded Cockington Green Gardens over 46 years ago.

Dad has decided to spend today quietly at home, relaxing, spending a little time in the garden, enjoying some family time and, as always, with Maggie by his side, so he won’t be at Cockington Green.

He has asked us to sincerely thank everyone who has visited during his Birthday Celebration Month, shared our posts and sent such wonderful birthday wishes. Your kindness has truly meant the world to him, and to all of us.

Dad, we hope your birthday is filled with love, laughter and the special moments that matter most.

Happy 88th Birthday.

With all our love,

Mark, Sally-Anne & Melinda
and our families ❤️

06/07/2026

Today, we remember Brenda Sarah, who would have celebrated her 84th birthday.

Brenda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and the heart of Cockington Green Gardens from the very beginning. Alongside her beloved husband Doug, and with the support of her parents, Bill and Marjorie Rose, she helped build the family business that has welcomed visitors for more than 46 years.

Many visitors will remember Brenda for her warm smile, kind nature and the famous homemade scones she baked fresh every morning. She would be up before sunrise, using her secret recipe to ensure every batch was ready for the day’s visitors. Today, that very same recipe is still used in our café, continuing a tradition she began all those years ago.

While so much has changed, Brenda’s legacy lives on in the gardens she helped create, the traditions she began, and the countless memories shared by visitors, friends and family.

Happy Birthday to the most amazing lady ever. You are deeply missed and lovingly remembered today and always 💐💕

05/07/2026

04/07/2026

🔎 Where’s Dougy? 🐢🧚

It’s Sunday, so Dougy has decided to slow things down a little!

Today he’s taking a relaxing ride through Sally’s Fairy Garden, hitching a lift with one of the garden’s more unusual residents. It certainly beats walking!

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you simply sit back, enjoy the scenery and let someone else do the hard work.

We wonder where Dougy will wander next…

03/07/2026

🔎 Where’s Dougy?

Today, Dougy has wandered through the historic village of Lavenham in Suffolk, England.

Lavenham is one of England’s best preserved medieval villages and is famous for its beautiful timber framed houses, many painted in the distinctive “Suffolk Pink” that has become a hallmark of the region.

Our miniature streetscape was constructed by the Cockington Green team in association with Con Reynolds of Narrabundah, ACT. While each building is an accurate replica, they have been carefully brought together into one scene, even though they aren’t all located on the same street in the real village.

Dougy seems quite at home strolling through these charming English streets. Where do you think he’ll wander next?

02/07/2026

A huge congratulations to our dear friend Jillian Sheather on this beautiful act of kindness for Palliative Care ACT.

Jill has been a treasured friend of Doug and Brenda’s since they first met through the ACT tourism industry many decades ago. She later became part of the Cockington Green family, warmly welcoming visitors in our admissions and gift shop.

It comes as no surprise to us that she has crocheted these beautiful blankets for people receiving palliative care. Jill has always had a heart of gold, and her kindness, generosity and creativity have touched so many lives over the years.

We’d also like to acknowledge the incredible team at Palliative Care ACT, whose compassion and support bring comfort to so many individuals and families during life’s most difficult moments.

Well done, Jill. You truly are one in a million.

We LOVE the Canberra community!

This morning Jillian donated to us a boot-load of blankets that she has hand crocheted herself.

These gorgeous creations will be taken to Clare Holland House and Leo's Place and gifted to people with a life-limiting illness as a comfort item and keepsake.

Jillian told us that no two are alike. "I've been making them for years. I meet with a craft group every Wednesday and we just chat and work. It's very relaxing too; it can be almost meditative. They're different sizes, some are lap-sized and some are a full bedspread. I just keep going until I run out of that particular yarn!"

From all of us here at PCACT, Thank You Jillian.
Your generosity means so much to these locals at a very difficult time.

02/07/2026

🔎 Where’s Dougy? 🥳

Today, Dougy has stopped by the Australian Gold Mining Scene.

Did you know this impressive display is based on the Central Deborah Gold Mine in Bendigo, Victoria?

Part of the model was originally constructed by Anthony Barker as part of his Year 12 assessment before being completed by the Cockington Green team. It’s a wonderful example of young talent becoming part of our miniature world.

If Anthony happens to see this, or if you know him, we’d love you to tag him in the comments.

01/07/2026

🎈 TODAY’S THE DAY! 🎈

Doug’s Birthday Month officially begins today!

🎉 50% OFF online admission tickets for the entire month of July.

Come and help us celebrate Doug’s 88th birthday at Cockington Green Gardens. We’d love to welcome you and your family.

🎟️ Book online and celebrate with Doug this July!



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