A look back

Going through the OGH archives today I found this 1962 photo of the property when there was no gardener and before the Friends Group was formed in 1983. 

The garden is wild and out of control, and ivy has come across the paved terrace from the lower garden and is spreading up the main walls. At this time the house had just been made open to the public after a long period of neglect. A small Government budget was allocated for a full-time gardener.

The ivy is now long gone, and the trees, bushes and shrubs are well cared for by the gardening group of the Friends of Old Government House. The state budget covering the paid gardener was cut over 10 years ago, and he lost his position. Since that time the volunteers have been the sole support group for the garden. They do a fantastic job with one 75 year old volunteer helping for half a day, 5 days a week.