30 members visited the 5 acre property of Judy and Steve Anderson in Lara who have created a very interesting garden for groups and visitors to enjoy. Casuarina (river she-oak)trees planted around the property act as a windbreak and also make a lovely looking forest of trees under planted with bromeliads. Thousands of boulders and rocks from around Lara were brought in to create the three ponds, a four metre rock waterfall and a dam. Walking paths and bridges allow you to wander around the dam or through the mass planting of over 300 callistemons which must be glorious in spring. Walking tracks guide visitors through a diverse range of Australian native and exotic garden beds. Queensland bottle trees, crepe myrtles, grevilleas, ginkgos, flowering gums, lipstick maples and a Persian silk tree are some of the trees scattered throughout the garden.
Judy propagates a lot of her own plants for sale – various aloes and succulents, salvias, euphorbias, roses, day lilies, etc. Jams and relishes made from some of the 38 fruit trees and the many different berries growing in the covered orchard were also available. It was a treat to eat some of the ripe figs whilst wandering through the orchard. Members enjoyed morning tea on arrival and went home with some of Judy’s plants and produce.
A nice lunch was had at the Lara Sporting Club. Thanks to Helen and Marilla for organising another great trip.
