U3A Ballarat Gardening Group 6th June 2023



    

                                                 
In spite of the threatening weather, a great day with U3A Gardening Group! National Trust properties of Barwon Park, Winchelsea [where the rabbits, hares and blackbirds came from!], and 'The Heights', Newtown, Geelong [where the starlings came from!].

It was a day of stairs. First the magnificent stairway in the entrance hall of Barwon Park. Designed with wide and shallow steps for ladies in long dresses. 






Next the back stairs for the 27 servants of the property. Narrower and steeper. Then the steps into the cellar, and finally the stairs in the stables from the forge up to the groom’s quarters and the hayloft, very narrow and very steep. The house in original condition and furnished with some of the original furniture. Don’t forget the swan taps in the bathroom! Many thanks to the great volunteers who regaled us with the Austin History for an hour as they conducted us through the house.


Stables at Barwon Park

On our way to Geelong and The Heights, we passed the Gatehouse to Barwon Park some 12 kms from the homestead.


Lunch at The Heights and then introductions to our guides, Claudette, Rodger and John. The property classified because of its untouched Victorian garden.

 



 Wonderful mature trees, Bhutan Cypress, Canary Island pine, Norfolk pine, Flame tree to mention a few. 










An expansive kitchen garden, John’s orchard in the former horse paddock, rose arch walk, dovecote, bee hives as well as the interesting but considerably updated house.

Many thanks to Dick, Els and Coral for all the organisation.

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