Hascombe garden facts for kids
Hascombe is a beautiful old garden in Mount Macedon, Victoria, Australia. It was started way back in the 1800s! This amazing garden is about 11 hectares big, which is like 27 football fields. Many people think it's one of the best gardens in Victoria. It's even on a special list called the Register of the National Estate, which means it's really important to Australia's history and nature.
Contents
The Story of Hascombe Garden
The story of Hascombe Garden began in the 1870s. A person named R.L.J. Elery built a large house, called a villa, on the land.
Growing the Garden
Later, R.S. Whiting took over the garden. He made it much bigger and better. He was clever because he designed the garden to fit in with the natural surroundings. He used the creek and the beautiful blackwood trees and tree ferns that were already there.
In the 1930s, another owner, S. Ricketson, added some fun things. He built a cozy log cabin and tennis courts. He also planted a whole forest of Douglas Pine trees.
New Owners, New Ideas
From the 1930s all the way to 1989, Sir Thomas and Lady Ramsay cared for the garden. They continued to make it even more wonderful. After them, Paula and Lindsay Fox bought Hascombe. They have continued to look after this special place.
How the Garden is Designed
Hascombe Garden is built on different levels, like giant steps. These levels are held up by strong stone retaining walls.
Paths and Steps
To get around the garden, there are lots of pathways and steps. These connect all the different levels, making it easy to explore every part of the garden.
Amazing Plants at Hascombe
Hascombe Garden is famous for its wide variety of plants. It has many different sections, each with its own special feel.
Special Walks and Hedges
You can walk through areas lined with holly and linden trees. There are also tall hedges made from plants like Pittosporum, Viburnum, Ilex (which is holly), and Eucryphia.
Flower and Woodland Gardens
One part of the garden is called the "Picking Garden." Here, you'll find lots of colorful flowers that are perfect for picking. The "Woodland Garden" is another beautiful spot. In spring, it's filled with bright spring bulbs popping out of the ground.
Famous Trees
Hascombe is home to some truly amazing and old trees. One is a 100-year-old Horizontal Elm, which has branches that grow out almost flat. There's also a tall Himalayan Fir and a unique Cappadocian Maple tree.