Avid U3A Benalla photographer Bev Thornell described being "lucky to nab a spare seat at the last minute" on the packed bus for Garden Appreciation's trip to The Falls Garden at Longwood in September.. Bev posted the following photos and story on our FB page.
A packed bus left Benalla at 9am on Thursday 22 September for U3A Garden Appreciation's trip to THE FALLS Garden at Longwood, via Euroa. What a wonderful setting it enjoys, nestled in a sheltered dip, surrounded by those Granitic Strathbogie Hills.
First developed by the Cameron Family in the 60's, it was bought by the Ball Family in early 2000's. They contracted Landscape Designer Robert Boyle to create the 12-acre Oasis, to complement the existing small Vineyard, comprising the main Lake with Fountain and Pavilion, several little ponds, more fountains, Vegetable Garden, magnificent stonework walls and and bridges, Ornamental Trees, including mature Cork Oaks, and the lovely natural Waterfalls to one side, opposite the main house, trickling down the rocky slope. Four natural springs and Nine Mile Creek feed water into the property, keeping it well watered all year round.
Our group, on arrival, was treated to morning tea in the Lake Pavilion, then sent off to explore the gravel paths, each leading to a "Room". In one Room, Pan the Piper is a "Sitting Duck" for local birds to rest!
After a long ramble, we were bussed to Euroa's Seven Creeks Hotel, which was packed with holiday diners, hence the affable staff were run off their feet! However, once our orders were taken, meals emerged promptly. The Bar Staff naturally did a roaring trade. Many thanks to our convenor Gwen Turner and also Corrie Witlox for your expert organisation, especially the warm weather, and thanks also to Matt from Benalla Bus Lines for driving us safely, even when we had a long wait to turn right onto the busy Hume (with the help of 40+ backseat drivers).
*N.B.The Falls Open Garden is on the weekend of 19/20 November. $12 entry.
First developed by the Cameron Family in the 60's, it was bought by the Ball Family in early 2000's. They contracted Landscape Designer Robert Boyle to create the 12-acre Oasis, to complement the existing small Vineyard, comprising the main Lake with Fountain and Pavilion, several little ponds, more fountains, Vegetable Garden, magnificent stonework walls and and bridges, Ornamental Trees, including mature Cork Oaks, and the lovely natural Waterfalls to one side, opposite the main house, trickling down the rocky slope. Four natural springs and Nine Mile Creek feed water into the property, keeping it well watered all year round.
Our group, on arrival, was treated to morning tea in the Lake Pavilion, then sent off to explore the gravel paths, each leading to a "Room". In one Room, Pan the Piper is a "Sitting Duck" for local birds to rest!
After a long ramble, we were bussed to Euroa's Seven Creeks Hotel, which was packed with holiday diners, hence the affable staff were run off their feet! However, once our orders were taken, meals emerged promptly. The Bar Staff naturally did a roaring trade. Many thanks to our convenor Gwen Turner and also Corrie Witlox for your expert organisation, especially the warm weather, and thanks also to Matt from Benalla Bus Lines for driving us safely, even when we had a long wait to turn right onto the busy Hume (with the help of 40+ backseat drivers).
*N.B.The Falls Open Garden is on the weekend of 19/20 November. $12 entry.
Story and Photographs - Bev Thornell - U3A Benalla Facebook page, 23 September 2022
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