Is there anything more divine than attending a garden fair? Especially one in such a romantic setting as the National Trust’s Harper’s Mansion c.1835, at Berrima in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. While the weather did its very best to dampen or blow the very notion of attending a garden fair out the window, there were resilient visitors a-plenty & I wouldn’t have missed it for anything! The gardens, tended by a passionate collection of volunteers are an inspiration to see and I fully intend to make a return visit on a quiet day when I’m not manning a stand (it’s open on weekends).
The plant stalls were laden with treasures and a quick turn around them before the gates opened yielded a few beauties to bring home with me….naughty but….I couldn’t resist! And one in particular set off my plant stand to very good effect: a Sprekelia, or Jacobean Lily, propagated by the enthusiastic volunteers of the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, who are also doing great things. It was, altogether, an inspiring day, and it was lovely to catch up with lots of regular Glenmore participants. This was the inaugural fair and I very much hope that it was the first of many. As always, watch this space & I’ll keep you posted!