Como House and Gardens GIG visit 7th March 2023
Como House. Melbourne’s most glamorous stately home. 7th
March visit.
The U3A Gardening Interest Group visited Como House
on 7th March. Most ventured
to Como by train and a short walk. The
group enjoyed a relaxed, fun day wandering around the house and gardens,
learning of the early settlers to Australia.
Our 22 attendees split into two groups for the tours and felt amazed at
the knowledge of the volunteers conducting us around the premises. The Café at Como offered an enjoyable lunch
and a quiet time to stop, catch your breath, socialise and enjoy the sunshine,
amongst the leafy greens.
Built in 1847, Como House and Garden is an
intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture.
Como offers a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle
of former owners, the Armytage family, who lived there for nearly a century. The
Armytage’s became famous amongst Melbourne high society and equally famous for
their many elegant dances, dinners and receptions. Those elegant dining
and reception rooms are still furnished with family heirlooms as well as most
of the servant’s areas, kitchen and laundry have been preserved.
The Como perennial border has undergone rejuvenation works by renowned
designer and Como Ambassador Paul Bangay. Paul has worked with the National Trusts’
garden team and designed an interpretation of a classic perennial border,
befitting a garden of the scale and significance of Como. His design
comprises over 900 plants and draws on varieties listed in William Sangster’s
1862 diary notes of plants growing at Como during Sangster’s time as head
gardener. The design was implemented by the National Trust’s garden team and
Como garden volunteer group.
Enjoy the photos as you scroll through the BLOG.
Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the photos and be reminded of a most enjoyable day.
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