Setting up the seed table with seeds and plants to share always arouses our expectations of a plant that will fit into our gardens.
It was perfect weather, as we gathered on the lawn in the shade, but for those of us who didn't bring a warm top it was soon to be a cool experience because a breeze from the South soon appeared to lower temperatures.
Our visit to Robyn's garden was a real climate change for our members in the Bellinger Valley. It is always interesting to see another garden and Robyn's garden, situated on the Dorrigo Plateau, above the Bellinger Valley, had expansive views of the rolling green paddocks of the plateau.
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| Trandescantia |
The plateau climate allows Robyn to grow many plants that fail to thrive in the warm temperate/subtropical climate of the Bellinger Valley.
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| Alstroemeria (Princess Lily) |
These Alstroemerias formed a large clump. Personally I prefer these bold coloured varieties without the muddy markings that some have.
Rhubarb much prefers the cool weather of the plateau.
Robyn finds this Plectranthus groundcover very useful to grow under her windbreak because it suppresses the germination of Privet seeds.
It is Iris time, ....
and Hippeastrum time.
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| Deutzia |
Robyn's Asparagus bed is fairly new. She will wait at least another year before picking. Meanwhile, she will load on the manure and mulch. The plateau's soil is volcanic in origin. It drains very well and nutrients are easily leached away.
Berries of all kinds thrive in the plateau climate.
Robyn's Broccoli requires protection from the birds.
Prawn Plant or Shrimp Plant growing with Brundfelsia.
Comfrey, another plant that thrives on the plateau, is a wonderful mulch and soil conditioner.
A Savoury Loaf featured on the afternoon tea table.
Elaine's cordial has a secret mix of herbs and no syrup. She has promised to share the recipe with us.
Come along to our next Seedsavers' event. A reliable source tells us it will be in December at at Spickets Creek, at the end of the navigable section of the Bellingen to Bowraville Rd. Watch for details on our events page.
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| The 'My T Fine String Band' entertained us during afternoon tea. What a treat! |
