Brisbane, QLD


Wednesday, November 8, 2017

MORE THAN TREES

The country town of Grafton is situated in the northern part of NSW. It is famous for it tree lined streets and it's Jacaranda Festival. (see last post). However, there is more to see there than the trees.
When we were there we had dinner on a hotel deck overlooking the Clarence River. It had been a very hot day so I guess this dog was enjoying a cool off. Naturally, the river is used for a lot of recreation sports and activities.

The next day we decided to check out some of the historic buildings in the town.
The Northern Rivers County Council

But you can't get far without noticing the street trees. 
This is a White Fig Tree. (Ficus virens)

Besides old commercial buildings there were many gorgeous old residences. Country towns seem to have avoided the bulldozers knocking down old buildings to make way for new ones.

We didn't get much further because this is Shaeffer House Museum, where we mooched around and learnt more about the history of Grafton.

It was built by F.W.C. Shearer in 1900 for his family. He was the first city architect for Grafton. Later the house was turned into flats but in 1966, the Grafton Council bought the house and it is now the home of the Clarence River Historical Society. The house was restored to its early glory and houses many artefacts.


The original wall paper was found underneath many others.





I also learnt there who was responsible for planting all the beautiful trees in Grafton. It was Henry Volkers, 1835 - 1911. He was born in Germany and arrived in Sydney in 1856. He moved to Grafton and in 1871 opened a shop. He advertised himself as a seedsman, florist and practical gardener. He planted many of the trees which adorn the streets of Grafton including the Jacarandas.

Jacarandas line most streets but look at the end of the street on the left there are huge fig trees.

Ficus microcarpa line this street nicknamed Fig tree Avenue. It is an amazing sight.

16 comments:

  1. Amazing trees indeed, both of them the jacaranda and the figs. Loved that interior of the museum. Always nice to see common things of long ago.

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  2. we have a fig tree in our yard like these, and that old house is wonderful. I like the clothing hanging on the four poster bed and old portraits on the picture rails,

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  3. Nice to have a look around Grafton with you Diane. The buildings are beautiful and I love those museums that display scenes of everyday life... clothing etc.
    The fig trees are magnificent as well as the jacaranda!

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  4. Mr. Volkers certainly had vision where trees were concerned. Those tree lined streets are magnificent. Such pretty buildings, too, and that sunset ... WOW!

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  5. That 'practical gardener' had more than a touch of artistry about his work as well -- the trees are stunning; I am glad they restored that fine old home as well. Beautiful place to visit.

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  6. The old trees are amazing, they survive no matter what in that area.
    The house look gorgeous, just love them.

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  7. Those tree planters of many years ago deserve our heartfelt thanks. Planting a tree when you are older is a very unselfish act as you are not going to see it reach maturity. Shaeffer House has an wonderful exterior, but I find it hard to cope with Victorian era interior clutter.

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  8. F.W.C. Shearer left a wonderful legacy. “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Great post Diane!

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  9. Hello, pretty view of the river. The museum is lovely, I love the exterior. Beautiful trees. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

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  10. Love these photos but the Jacaranda is still my favourite. I really do miss them. Take care t'other Diane

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  11. Looks such an interesting place - and all those trees, wow.

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  12. I always enjoy the adventures that you share with us, Diane. Thanks for showing this former grand old home, nice to see its been restored, and those amazing fig trees, but still like the purple Jacarandas.

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  13. Wow what a house ! No wonder that they needed a lot of servants !

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  14. I enjoyed reading about Grafton from a visitor's perspective. It truly is a beautiful place, especially in regards to our many trees.

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  15. Hello Diane, Thank you for stopping by my blog. I looked up Grafton on a map to see where it was. It looks like a beautiful town with all those historic buildings and magnificent trees.

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  16. What a great place to visit! The scenery is wonderful and I love restored homes like the one you visited. Awesome images, Diane :)

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