In Our Own Back Yard – The Begonia House

A few days ago there was a small article in the local paper telling that the Begonia House was open.  A similar article appears each year, and each year I tell myself “I must go and have a look”, and each year that is as far as it gets.

Not this time!  Yesterday in my lunch break I finally went.  Please join me.

Here is the reason for my visit.  I can’t remember when I last visited, I’m guessing it is probably about twenty years ago.

The Begonia House, situated in Machattie Park, right in the middle of Bathurst, was opened in 1936.  The collection came from England and the house is only open during the flowering season for March and April, so I think I am seeing them at their best.

Let’s go inside.  There was no one else there, so I could take my time to soak it all in.

The colours are so vibrant, however there is no scent.

Here are just  small few.

Notice the buds on the next two.  See how they open like a clam shell.  I almost expected to find a pearl in the one on the right.

There were also a few other varieties of begonias where the flowers weren’t so flashy, but the plants were lovely just the same.

When you see the flowers at their peak, you start to realise why this collection is so famous.  It really is a credit to the council staff who maintain them in such wonderful condition.

I’ll have to make a return visit a bit sooner than 20 years into the future.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some more of our lovely park.