U3A Gardening Group 2023

State Rose Garden

Werribee Mansion

Werribee Mansion Garden.

Setting off from Selkirk's carpark, after I had dutifully fetched our leader's coffee, we drove through the rain hoping this would not be a repeat of the Tesselar trip! However, on reaching Bacchus Marsh the rain had stopped, so we were much happier. Els had organised the day so we were two groups, one for the gardens and one for the mansion, then swap over. After refreshments at the cafe, we met David, our Volunteer Guide for the garden, and set off on a wonderful discovery tour of the amazing trees in the Mansion Gardens, including the Grotto, a lake, and many bats.

Canary Island Pine

Weeping Nootka Cypress

Variegated Elm

Grevillea Robusta-Silky Oak

The lake from the Grotto

Lemon-scented Gums

Moreton Bay Fig with John and Evelyn

Algerian Oak Querus Canariensis

What a wealth of knowledge David had about all the trees.

On to the State Rose Garden! Here David knew intimately the roses, names, cultivation, fertilisation, pruning, EVERYTHING!

Tips from David on producing the best roses.

       Seamungus, used after pruning. Sudden Impact for Roses or Black Marvel, fertiliser, September, February.  Go Go Juice, to handle the heat or/and cold. 

Map of the State Rose Garden

The crew.

Roses as far as the eye can see.

Avenue of Standard Roses

Swags of Roses

Leona smelling the rose in the approved 3 second method.

Pillar Roses. This one is David's pet hate when pruning!

An ocean of roses.

Standard Weeping Rose.
  
What a feast for the eyes!


Next the Mansion, which we discovered at our own pace, and listened to the audio descriptions in the various rooms on display. The power of money!







A great day for all. Thanks to the various drivers who enabled everyone to arrive safely, and big thanks to Els and Coral for organising the day. 

More to come in 2024!

Comments

  1. Marianne Kennedy15 November 2023 at 17:20

    Beautiful photos and an excellent report on a fantastic day. Appreciation to all involved in organising, travel etc and thanks for the lovely company. Another wonderful outing with the GIG Group.

    ReplyDelete

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