Fitzroy Gardens was named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy (1796-1858), Governor of New South Wales and Governor-General of the Australian Colonies . It was begun in 1848, when 64 acres of land were set aside for the gardens.
To honor Captain James Cook, who discovered the eastern side of Australia in 1770, Cooks parents house in Great Ayton, Yorkshire was purchased and moved to the Fitzroy Gardens. To complement the cottage, an authentic mid 18th century Yorkshire cottage garden has been recreated. The garden is comprised mostly of plants native to Great Britain and Northern Europe as exotic varieties were rarely found in country villages.
Some of the roses are of very ancient pedigree, the White Rose of York having been planted in Greek and Roman times. The vegetable garden was an essential asset to such a cottage and the gooseberries included here were very popular for both eating and for display in local competitions. The “chamomile lawn” is composed of one of the oldest herbal plants of English and European gardens. “Chamomile teas” were taken medicinally for a great range of ailments. In Captain Cook’s time a millrace formed the boundary of the garden, and this feature has been faithfully recreated.
From 1931 to May 1934 Ola Cohn worked on the delightful likenesses of fairies, dwarfs, gnomes, a marvelous jackass, koalas, flying foxes and a host of typical Australian animals and birds. She used all the natural irregularities and curves to transform the tree trunk into a thing of beauty.
| The conservatory was opened in 1930. It is amazing!
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TOAL-Trip of a Lifetime 