On Saturday I thought I’d give myself a day out! Persuaded by one of our regular Kitchen Gardening participants who lost much of her garden on that fateful weekend of bush fires last year, I made my way up to the Mount Wilson Autumn Festival. And what a treat it was. I haven’t visited the area for many years and it was resplendent in autumn colour, with leaves of red and gold fluttering to the ground.
It’s difficult not to be tempted by garden treasures on offer in such magical places, but over the years I’ve come to understand our own micro-climate and am steeled to resist them….well almost! The view above, from a hidden pocket in the garden at ‘Merry Garth’, looking to a view of Mt Banks, couldn’t be more mystical or far removed from the garden at Glenmore! I discovered some breathtaking sights and returned with just one plant that I have tried over and over again to grow here:Alchemilla mollis or ‘Lady’s Mantle’. Hopefully it will thrive this time and serve to remind me of a quite delightful day out, of new friends and spectacular views.
While this was the inaugural Mount Wilson Autumn Festival….I suggest we watch out for it again this time next year, as a treat for ourselves, and in support of that community of stoic romantics.