Tag:gardens
Como House is a charming and beautiful mansion that was the family home of the Armytage family. The interiors were designed according to the family’s tastes and style and reflected the changing times and trends. Significantly, it was the first house museum in Australia to be acquired by the National Trust with its original contents. This included furniture, domestic technology, and decorative arts, making it a treasure trove of historical artefacts. In addition to being a family home, Como also functioned as a workplace for its staff. Thankfully, the original servants’ quarters have been preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mansion’s history.

Land beside the river
Como House, built in 1847, uniquely blends Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture. The garden still showcases many elements of its original 1850s design. Como is situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples. These are two of the five language groups making up the Kulin Nations. Melbourne and the southern banks of the Birrurung (Yarra) are culturally significant as meeting places and hunting grounds for the Kulin Nations.

Colonisation significantly impacted the traditional way of life of Aborigines. The southern banks of the Birrurung became cattle runs by 1837. William Lonsdale, the Port Philip Police Magistrate, was responsible for making ‘Crown’ land available to squatters through licenses. His nephew George Langhorne was in charge of the Government Mission for Aboriginal People, which closed in 1839.
Lonsdale suggested selling the land, which his nephew Alfred (George’s brother) then purchased. Alfred then divided the land into lots, and in 1846, Edward Eyre Williams bought the lot where Como was built. Williams, a lawyer, later became a judge at the first Supreme Court of Victoria. He purchased land extending from the Yarra River to Toorak Road, using the proceeds from compensation paid to him after the abolition of slavery.
The Eyre Williams Years
Williams consequently commissioned the construction of a four-room residence with a separate kitchen and named it ‘Como’. The walls of the villa and kitchen were built from stones, mud, and rubble hauled up from the banks of the Birrurung. In 1852 Williams sold Como, which had a “noble frontage to the River Yarra” and “commanding views of the surrounding country” to Frederick Dalgety. Dalgety owned a firm supplying wool, gold, and settlers’ trades. However, Dalgety considered Como “infernally dull”. Within a year, he sold it to John Brown, a master builder who later became a wine and spirit merchant.

John Brown appointed William Sangster as head gardener and overseer in December 1855. Sangster, a garden designer, played a significant role in the early development of Melbourne. Sangster’s notable designs include Carlton Gardens in Carlton, Daylesford Public Garden, and Victoria Gardens in Prahran. He also designed Rupertswood in Sunbury, Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick, Stonington Mansion in Malvern, and Ard Choille at Mount Macedon, Victoria.

A picturesque Garden
Sangster supervised the design and development of the site, using the principles of picturesque garden design. The design included a detailed five-acre ornamental garden and a new carriageway from the main road (now Toorak Road). He also created several areas of orchards and vegetable gardens on the slopes leading down to the river. Along the southern boundary of the Yarra River, he planted willows, poplars, and Dutch elms. Many aspects of his design are still present, and the remaining trees are impressive specimens.

The house and the garden were developed simultaneously. Brown had the grounds landscaped while adding a second story to the original four-room villa. This included an upstairs ballroom overlooking the gardens. However, Brown overreached himself in his ambition to join Melbourne’s elite. Brown lost his fortune and was forced to sell his beloved Como.

The Armytage Family
Charles Armytage, a wealthy pastoralist, purchased Como for £14,000 in 1864. He and his wife Caroline lived with their eight children at Fulham Station, a large sheep holding just outside Geelong. Caroline was born in 1832 into a prosperous landowning family in Lechlade, UK. Arriving in the colony, she worked as a governess for the Austins of Barwon Park before marrying Charles, whom she had met at the local Winchelsea church.
Their hard work in the country, combined with Charles’ inheritance, had brought considerable wealth. The family began looking for a townhouse. Hearing Como was up for sale, Armytage decided it would be the ideal residence to solidify the family’s position in the growing Melbourne social scene. They spent the social season in Melbourne at Como and the rest of the year at their rural estates. The house was expanded in 1874 with the addition of a ballroom wing and an upstairs children’s wing.

The Grand Tour
After Charles passed away in 1876 at the age of fifty-two due to a pancreatic disorder, Caroline, who was 44 at the time, inherited the estate. Caroline decided it was the perfect time to travel. She wanted to ensure her children received a suitable education as members of Melbourne’s high society. On December 26, 1876, the servants packed trunks onto carriages at the front of Como House. Then, Caroline, her nine children, and a large retinue of servants, including two cows for fresh milk, boarded the sailing ship, the Assam, and embarked on a four-year ‘Grand Tour’ around the world.

Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
Charles Norman was sent to study at Cambridge. Meanwhile, Caroline, the other children and servants, went to Egypt, India, China, Japan, Russia, and Europe. This journey was documented in a diary kept by Ada, Caroline’s eldest daughter. During this tour, Caroline sent crate-loads of mirrors, vases, chandeliers and furniture back to Como.

Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
In 1878, ‘Mumma went to the Paris International Exhibition; she walked up to an exhibitor and bought a large ebonised door for the Drawing Room. He looked rather bemused when she asked to have it sent to Melbourne, Australia.’
Ada Armytage
A family home
When Caroline and her family returned to Melbourne in 1880, they made Como their permanent residence. The lifestyle of the Armytage family and Como was supported by a large group of servants who did all the day-to-day work. Caroline employed cooks, a laundress, a housemaid, a needlewoman, a “Tweeney” (a between-the-stairs maid whose bedroom was in the tower), a parlourmaid, a milkman, a messenger, two permanent gardeners, and a coachman.

Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
Federation celebrations in 1901 saw a constant round of parties and musical evenings. During these, Constance met Captain Arthur Fitzpatrick, the aide-de-camp to the governor of Victoria. After a brief engagement, Constance and Arthur were married at St. John’s, Toorak, on May 9, 1906. The wedding was the social event of the season. The reception was held at Como and was attended by the cream of Melbourne society, including old friends such as the artists Arthur and Emma Minnie Boyd.
The bride and groom moved to England, but Fitzpatrick abandoned Constance and disappeared with the seventy-thousand-pound dowry, ending the marriage. From then on, Constance lived as a single woman.

Courtesy of the University of Melbourne Archives
World War I
At the outbreak of the WW1, Ada was 55 years old, Constance 43 and Leila 39. Leila joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) in England for the Red Cross and was sent to an Australian Military Hospital in Le Havre, France. By 1916, Constance was also living in Le Havre, where she worked side by side with Leila as an untrained nurse and ambulance driver, picking up the wounded and the dying soldiers from the battlefields.

While the sisters were away from Melbourne for eleven years, Laura, a delicate and artistic woman, remained at Como. When the sisters returned after the war, they found Como somewhat worn out, with its Edwardian grandeur fading away. Following Caroline’s death in 1909, the property, including the house, was divided and put up for auction. Her daughters Ada, Laura, Constance, and Leila bought the house and the surrounding 15 acres of gardens. In 1921, the Armytage family sold 35 acres of Como’s river frontage, leaving just over five acres of house and garden. Of the five sons, only two married, and of the four daughters, only Constance married. Ada died in 1939. Laura lived as a recluse at Como from the 1920s and died in 1956.
Film Location
Como House has been the location of many Australian shows, and The Seekers filmed the video for Morningtown Ride there in 1967
In 1959, the newly formed National Trust acquired Como and opened it to the public.
Como House is located at Corner Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra 3141 and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Guided tours of the house are available on Wednesdays & Fridays at 1.30 pm Saturdays and Sundays at 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2 pm
Como House Tours
Adult: $15
Concession: $12
Child: $9
Family: $35 (2A + 2C)
National Trust Members: Free
The season of spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. As nature finally awakens from its winter slumber, it presents a breathtaking canvas for photographers. Spring is the best time for capturing the vibrant colours and delicate blossoms. In this post, we will explore the art of Spring photography, sharing techniques, tips, and ideas to help you photograph the enchanting beauty of this season.
Seek out Blossoms:
Spring is often associated with the beautiful blooming flowers that add colours to the world. You can find these stunning blossoms in local gardens, parks, or even your own backyard. Capturing their beauty uniquely and captivatingly involves experimenting with different angles, compositions, and depths of the field. From cherry blossoms to tulips, these iconic symbols of spring are a sight to behold.

Play with Light
As the season changes to spring, you can enhance your photography with the subtle and gentle light it brings. Take advantage of the soft light during the morning and evening to create a warm and dreamy atmosphere in your images. Experiment with shooting against the sunlight to capture a magical backlit effect. Alternatively, use diffused light on cloudy days to highlight the colours and textures of the scenery. Additionally, incorporating sidelight can add depth, texture, and drama to flower photography, emphasising the beauty of the blooms.

Before taking photos, it is essential to consider the direction of the light source. Sidelight, which comes from the subject’s side, can cast shadows and create highlights. To effectively use sidelight in your composition, determine the angle from which the light hits the flowers. This type of lighting is also great for highlighting the textures and details of flowers, as it creates shadows that accentuate the contours, creases, and intricate patterns of petals and leaves.

To capture this effect, position yourself so that the light is coming from the left or right, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the three-dimensional quality of the subject.
Bees
If you want to include bees on your flowers, early morning is also the best time, as they are less active when it’s cooler. You will need a shutter speed of around 1/500 sec early morning (1/1000 if later in the day and they have warmed up). A telephoto lens will also enable you to get the bees without getting too close.

Embrace Nature’s Palette
Spring is also a season that showcases a beautiful range of vibrant hues and pastel shades. Incorporating contrasting colours in your compositions is a great way to create visually striking images. For instance, pairing yellow daffodils against a blue sky or purple flowers against a green backdrop can create a harmonious contrast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour grading during post-processing to enhance the mood and bring out the essence of spring.

Capture the Essence of Growth
Spring is a time of transformation and rejuvenation. To truly capture the essence of this season, focus on photographing emerging leaves, sprouting buds, and newborn animals. Use the backdrop of fresh green foliage or leading lines to direct the viewer’s gaze towards signs of growth. Additionally, zoom in and capture the intricate details.

Macro Photography
During the spring season, there are countless little marvels to discover, such as dewdrops resting on petals or complex insect designs. By delving into the realm of macro photography, you can experience the miniature universes that exist within nature. With the help of a macro lens or extension tubes, you can capture the intricate details that often go unseen, uncovering the hidden world around us.

Get Creative
- Include a sun flare in your images by shooting into the sun at F16 or above.
- Get super close and concentrate on one subject.
- Get down low and shoot up.
- Carry a little squirt bottle of 50/50 water and glycerin to replicate dew drops.

Spring is a beautiful time to capture the beauty of nature through photography. Whether you are an experienced photographer or a beginner, the season’s vibrant colours, gentle light, and abundance of life provide endless opportunities to create captivating images. Venture outdoors, immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and let your camera transport you to the enchanting world of spring.

Just over two hours from Melbourne, nestled in the beautiful tableland of Strathbogie in Victoria’s northeast, is Sunnymeade Cottage Garden, Kithbrook (not to be confused with Sunnymeade at Anglesea). In days past, the area was previously home to infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, gold miners and tree loggers. Today it’s a quiet rural area, home to vineyards, farms, farm stays, and our destination – Sunnymeade Cottage Garden for a rare open day.

Garden Plan
Craig Irving started Sunnymeade Cottage Garden in 1986. In 2017 Sunnymeade won the Melbourne Cup Tour and VRC Australian Garden competition. The garden is laid out along the lines of interconnecting rooms. An Incan wall garden and a circular lawn are enclosed by towering hornbeam hedges from Europe. A Persian garden invites you into the tiled pavilion.

Further along, is the Yellow Garden boasting an iron arbour with wisteria. A rose garden with old-fashioned roses with a Victorian-era gazebo to sit in. Additionally, there is a medieval garden, a walled garden with a moon gate, a rose walk, a sunken garden, a fruit garden and an Egyptian garden.

Unhelpful weather gods
The day before our visit was in the high 30s, and we had everything crossed that our day wouldn’t be so hot. Unfortunately, the weather gods granted our wishes but went a little overboard with the cool change, giving us bland white skies and no sun. We even had a quick rain shower as we walked around (taking refuge in the gazebo).


Topiary Trees
I love Topiary, and Craig has undoubtedly mastered the skill. His immaculate hedges and spiral trees were a delight. However, while I thoroughly enjoyed our visit, I wished we had sunshine and blue skies. Maybe, fingers crossed, it will be open again in spring.

In autumn, Mount Macedon is at its best when the town dons its technicolour coat. Just 64kms from Melbourne, it’s nestled at the base of the mountain that gave the town its name. It’s a pretty town of stunning mansions, boutique wineries, gorgeous 19th-century gardens and incredible views. The town was established by Melbourne’s wealthy elite in the post-gold rush era of the mid to late 19th century and used by them as a summer retreat from the city’s heat.

Due to its high elevation, the area is much cooler than Melbourne, and snow in winter is not unusual. However, it also has much higher rainfall than Melbourne and the surrounding area, leading to excellent conditions for the stunning formal English gardens, fern gullies and fungi in the winter months.
Autumn Colour
In Autumn, Mount Macedon becomes a riot of colour as the leaves turn and take on red, yellow, and orange shades. In the cooler, wetter months, the Macedon Ranges and the area around Sanatorium Lake becomes a mecca for fungi hunters.
This was the purpose of our visit time. We were hunting fungi and hoping to spot the elusive blue mushrooms. Consequently, we took the Eco-forest walk from Lions Head Road car park, a 923m walk to the lake. We usually take the Days Picnic Ground track but opted this time to explore the Eco-forest walk.

Macedon Ranges Fungi
The walk was longer than the track we usually take and very pretty. Mushroom wise, however, it was slim pickings. The first noteworthy thing we came across was a cicada exoskeleton.

Walking deeper into the forest, we came across several varieties of mushrooms growing along the trunks of mossy trees.


Mushrooms can be deadly, so a policy of look but don’t touch is wise. Unfortunately, many mushrooms are toxic, and it’s best to leave picking them to experts, or the consequences to health can be dire, ranging from gastro to death.

The blue mushrooms remained elusive. We didn’t spot one on our walk to the lake – so it looks like we will be going back to try again before the season is over.

Sanatorium Lake
Historically, Sanatorium Lake was purpose built to provide a water source to a hospital specialising in the treatment of tuberculosis, which was never built. Now the lake is a beautiful setting for a number of self-guided walking and horse-riding trails.
Visit Macedon Ranges
At the end of the walk, the lake is the small but beautiful Sanatorium Lake surrounded by dense forest and snow gums. You are usually rewarded with beautiful mirror reflections as it is reasonably protected from the elements. We sat awhile, took images of the lake and rested up for the walk back to the car park. Covid-19 and the stay at home rule had left us a lot more unfit than we anticipated.


While sitting there, I also played with ICM (intentional camera movement), a technique I like but don’t do often. As a result, the images take on a painterly look, particularly suited to shots of trees.
All fungi images taken on Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and 60mm macro, mounted on tripod and focus stacked. Tree shots taken with Olympus 12-100 F4 Pro
Around mid-January, we took a drive up to the Blue Lotus water garden at Yarra Junction. While the nursery is open all year round, the gardens are only open to the public from late December to mid-April each year. I hadn’t visited them before, but it had been on the list to see for a while. So, with a nice day of 24C and sunny, we headed off.

The Gardens
After parking the car, we wandered into the entrance, paid our fee, received our free map. We decided to sit and have lunch first as it was near lunchtime. There is a large seating area overlooking the lake for those dining at the cafe. Also dotted around the lake are many other areas offering great seating with tables undercover for those who prefer to bring a picnic lunch. Next time we visit we will definitely bring a picnic. It took two trips to the counter to get our lunch (we got the order wrong the first time, left stuff off the second time, and if we returned a burnt hamburger bun, it would have made three trips).

The Blue Lotus water garden, however, is delightful. It’s well laid out and has loads to photograph. Acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with a ‘tropical’ theme, enormous waterlilies bloom everywhere in a riot of colour among lakes, lagoons and ponds.


Pack the sunscreen
Despite the many planted trees, apart from the picnic areas and front cafe area, there is no shade on the pathways, so it’s nice of them to provide umbrellas for you to walk around with. Keep an eye out for them near the cafe, if it’s a sunny day you will need them. Do bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

About half way around you’ll come to a couple of greenhouses, here, you’ll find the more exotic water lilies and massive lily pads from the amazon.






If you have little ones with you there is a Faerie Garden – on certain days the ‘Faerie Queen’ is in residence and offering face painting (for a fee).

Location
Blue Lotus Water Gardens 2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction
Open seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm – December to April.
Entry: $18 adults, $16 conc. or seniors. Kids 0-15yrs free
Tesselaars Tulip Farm is a nursery in Silvan, Victoria, that grows bulbs, plants and perennials, selling both the plants to people around the country and cut flowers to florists. Tesselaars hosts a tulip festival each year in spring, showcasing the many blooms.

The first mania occurred way back in 1500’s in Turkey – which was the time of the Ottoman Empire and of Sultan Suleiman I (1494-1566). Tulips became highly cultivated blooms, developed for the pleasure of the Sultan and his entourage. During the Turkish reign of Ahmed III (1703-30) it is believed that the Tulip reigned supreme as a symbol of wealth and prestige and the period later became known as ‘Age of the Tulips’.
http://Tessekaars tulip historyhttp://Tessekaars tulip history

The Selfie Brigade
When I visited a couple of years ago, there were people everywhere wandering in among the tulips, up and down the aisles, sitting among them for selfies. Which made it hard to get a shot of them and led to the blooms being crushed and trampled.
It was great to see a low rope fence this year, which everyone respected the day I was there, preventing this. But, of course, it doesn’t affect the ability to photograph them at all. Being low and a single rope, it’s easy to hold the camera on the other side of the rope and shoot. But it does keep the pesky selfie brigade out.





Alice In Wonderland
We had made a last-minute decision the day before to head to Tessellaars when we found out they had an Alice in Wonderland theme that week, and the next day was the last. Unfortunately, the character I wanted to get (the mad hatter) wasn’t there that day. Very annoying. First world problem.



Also blooming were several varieties of daffodils, from the traditional bright yellow to big double blooms.



If you are into flowers, the festival is well worth a visit. You can buy tickets at the gate, but enter the code LOVE for 20% off your entry if purchasing online beforehand.
When and Where
357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan VIC 3795
Open 10am – 5pm from Sept 15 to Oct 14 2019
Adults $28pp, Concession $24pp Children 16 and under are free of charge. National carers card accepted.
Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival was on as we headed up to Bendigo for White Night, so we decided to stop at a few places. Running from August 30 to Sept 9, the festival covers open gardens, exhibitions, and a parade.
We drove along the old Calder hwy through town (Burton Avenue) for the ‘Golden Mile of Daffodils’…. the weather being intermittently overcast, sunny, showery, and windy made for a challenging stop…


Our plan was to get some shots in Kyneton and then head to Bringalbit in Sidonia. However, the GPS had a mind of its own (or none at all) that neglected to tell us to turn, and we ended up miles from where we wanted to be.


Getting ready to turn around and head back, we spotted an open garden sign and went in there.
Roseberry Hill
Pastoria Road, Pipers Creek. $4 entry.
10 acres of mature trees, shrubs and thousands of naturalised daffodils. Long avenues of Poplar, Roman Cypress, Red and Cork Oaks, Box hedge and dwarf Spruce. Rare plants, a more than century old Cork Oak, and quirky topiary








On the way home Sunday, we tried again and this time found Bringalbit.. which was fortuitous as if we had been there the day before, we would have missed the lambs born late on Saturday.
Bringalbit
512 Sidonia Road, Sidonia
Bringalbit is a unique part of Australia’s rural history and the setting is stunning. The huge, old trees, ornamental lake and gardens provide a rare mood of peace and tranquility. Art, peacocks, guinea fowl, ducks, chickens, suffolk sheep and Scottish highland cattle.

The Peahens had apparently been taken by foxes.. and the three Peacocks were strutting around, shimmying a tail feather trying to attract the chickens.. not surprisingly, to no avail.



While there, we also enjoyed the tea and cakes available… for another $2.50, you got a bottomless coffee and choice of 3 cakes for a further $2.50. It was lovely sitting in the beautiful gardens with a cuppa watching the ducks, chickens, and peacocks strut around.



A few weeks ago, we headed off to Mortlake in the western district, for a weekend away. Its only 235kms from Melbourne on the Hamilton Highway. We headed off Friday morning, stopping in Geelong before continuing our journey, looking for dry stone walls that are plentiful in the area. This is because the site has around 80 or so extinct volcanos in the region, creating a considerable amount of paddock stones.

We drove to Pomboneit-Foxhow Road in Pomborneit North and found a quiet road wholly lined with stone walls which the western district is known for. There had been a lot of rain in the area the days before, and the ground was saturated. And so was I when I got back to the car. Bad idea to wander around in Ugg boots. I ended up changing into my waterproof hikers when I got back to the car. I know, I should have had them on to start with.

Arriving in Mortlake, we headed to our accommodation, settled in, and then went out for dinner at Macs Hotel. Small pub, but great food and good service. After dinner, we went back to the accom, grabbed our gear, added another ten layers (it was freezing) and set up at the old Mill for some light painting and to shoot the milky way.


The cold eventually drove us back indoors, and we were all in bed reasonably early. We planned to be up at 5 am to go for a sunrise shot at Dunkeld. If we thought it was cold that night, it was freeeeezing the next morning. The windscreen was iced over and took ages to clear. We were on our way but about 15 mins behind schedule with an hour drive in front of us. Pitch black roads and countryside, eyes on alert for suicidal kangaroos. We made it to Dunkeld just in the nick of time. Our goal was to shoot the morning light at the Dunkeld Arboretum with Mt Abrupt in the background. Sunrise was pretty ordinary, and we were all freezing with the ground frozen over. But no one left until they all had the shots they wanted 🙂

The rest of the weekend passed without anything noteworthy. Clouds rolled in that night, so no Astro. It was also too cold for light painting outside, so we did a little inside with LEDs before falling into warm beds for a good night’s sleep.
It was our last full day in Queensland before heading home the next day, and we decided to drive down to Byron Bay, see the lighthouse, and visit the Crystal Castle. Set in the hinterlands above Byron Bay, Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens and rainforest with massive crystals brought across South America.
Byron Bay
We woke to beautiful sunshine. At around 5 am again. I had breakfast on the balcony and read for a while before heading off towards Byron Bay at around 8.00 am. It’s only 90 mins from the Gold Coast, and we were there by about 9.30 am. Arriving in Byron Bay, I couldn’t get over how busy it was. There were people out and about and heavy traffic everywhere. Don’t people sleep in Queensland? Heading up to the lighthouse, people out walking, pushing prams, jogging, I have never seen such activity at a lighthouse. It was like it was the central meeting point for everyone in Byron Bay. And it was only 9.30 am!

Byron Bay Lighthouse
The lighthouse has around three car parks, each higher and closer to the lighthouse than the last. We drove up to the top one the parking attendant!? directed us to an empty spot. So we got out, donned hats, grabbed cameras and joined the throng to walk up to the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is a beautiful little castle-like building at the base with battlements overlooking turquoise and blue sea. We wandered around and down the other side to get shots from the lower vantage point.

Crystal Castle
We stopped for morning tea from the lighthouse, then headed up into the hinterlands. Just 20 mins from Byron Bay is the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Entry is $25 and totally worth it. A memorial gate to Tori Johnson is inside the gates, donated by his family. Tori was tragically killed in the Lindt Cafe Siege in 2015.

I would have liked more time here to take in some of the daily events… we missed the music of the plants as by the time we had walked around the gardens, it was quite warm, and we wanted a chair and cold drink 🙂


The Stupa
The gardens are quite large, and to be done properly, and you really need a full day here. We stopped at the Peace Stupa and availed ourselves of the umbrellas dotted around for protection from the rain or sun while we enjoyed the music emanating from the Stupa.



with our walk around finished. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the cafe before enjoying some retail therapy in the crystal shop. From there, it was back to the car and back to the apartment.


Our last night on the balcony, we finally took some night shots of the city lights. The next morning it was pouring with rain, and all the next week too, but we were home by then 🙂
Over the bridge in Phillip Island is the turnoff to Churchill Island Heritage Farm. It has been farmed since the 1850s and became the holiday retreat of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Samuel Amess, when he purchased it in 1872.

A day on the farm
Last Sunday myself, and a dozen or so photographers from Melbourne Photography Excursions travelled down to the island for the day to visit the farm. It’s tiny, only 57 hectares but has heritage gardens, historic buildings and fantastic views over Port Phillip Bay.
We stayed in Cowes overnight as I hoped to get a sunset and sunrise. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a total bust with thick clouds moving in the late afternoon. It was going to be a hot day, though, on Monday, so we called in at the Forrest Caves near Cape Woolami.



Cowes
We missed low tide so that we couldn’t get to the caves, so we dodged sand flies for an hour while trying to get some long exposure shots from the beach. It’s a beautiful spot but a challenging walk. A big staircase up and down over the dunes, we were all puffing like ten pack a day smokers by the time we made it back to the car.


The Ballarat Botanical Gardens covers 40 hectares alongside Lake Wendouree. Within the central part of the garden is a ‘Gardenesque’ style of a Victorian pleasure garden and the Robert Clark Conservatory. The Botanical Gardens has mature trees, green lawns and winding pathways. White statues, flowers, extensive flower beds provide a feast for the eyes. A fernery takes up one corner, with open parklands encompassing the rest. The famous Ballarat Begonia Festival is held here in March each year. Seasonal plantings rotate through the rest of the year.



At the south end of the gardens is the Ballarat Tramway Museum. Volunteers formed the museum to preserve the “tramway experience that existed on the streets of Ballarat from 1887 to 1971. Additionally, they operate trams along a public road and on an original section of the track. The volunteers use authentic methods of operation such as conductors, paper tickets, uniforms, tram stops—they even original style paperwork.



Further along, past the Tramway Museum, you will find the Australian Prisoners of War memorial. It’s a sobering sight to see the long marble wall snaking off into the distance. It is filled with the names of thousands of Australian servicemen and women captured during wartime.

I found my two uncles on the wall. Harold Baron Dickson and Stanley Bruce Dickson. They spent the remainder of the war in a German POW camp following their capture at Tobruk by German Forces. However, they came home safely at the end of the war, married and had children.

One of our favourite gardens is Alfred Nicholas Gardens in Sherbrooke. We visited during the summer and made plans to return in the autumn to see the English trees changing colours.
Picnic Lunch
Expecting to spend most of the day there, we packed the cameras and a nice picnic lunch with cakes and wine and set off. The gardens are in the Dandenong Ranges, and the property is hilly and steep, as stunning as the gardens are. Very hilly and steep. By the time we got back to the car, I had wished we had packed an oxygen tent instead of the wine. However, we drank it anyway. So we were sitting on the car’s tailgate sipping wine while everyone else going back to their vehicles looked just as winded and puffed as we were.

Burnham Beeches
Originally named Burnham Beeches, it was built in the 1920s and owned by Alfred Nicholas, the ‘Aspro’ magnate. The beautiful gardens cover about 13 acres and feature tree ferns, mountain ash trees, lakes and waterfalls. Walking down to the ornamental lake brings you to a small series of islands connected by footbridges At the end of one is a small boathouse.
The gardens are alive all season long with masses of plantings. We had hoped to photograph the gardens as the leaves turned. But the unseasonably warm weather had kept everything green. So we decided on the way out that we would have to back again next year, but much later in autumn.

The Gardens
The gardens are worth a visit, but plan your day well. Unfortunately, there is no cafe on site. You need to carry everything in if you plan to eat there. Bins are scarce, so we carried our rubbish around for a while until we found one. And bear in mind, it’s a long way back up! Take the paths. They are easier than the steps! As you can see from the images, we didn’t leave it late enough in autumn to get the shots we wanted. Consequently, another trip is planned for the future.
