A Blooming Brilliant Day Out

 Esk Garden Fair 

What an unexpected delight the Esk Garden Fair turned out to be!

As we approached the town, we were greeted by hundreds of cars parked along every street, laneway, and every spare patch of grass. At first, it seemed extraordinary for a country town, but it didn’t take long to understand why. The annual Esk Garden Fair was in full swing, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Now in its 10th year, the fair has become one of the Somerset region’s premier events, celebrating not only gardening but also the creativity, talent, and community spirit of its residents. The town was alive with colour and activity as we explored hundreds of stalls showcasing everything from specialist nurseries and rare plants to handcrafted garden art and unique gifts.

Garden enthusiasts were spoiled for choice, with dozens of expert growers sharing their knowledge and an impressive selection of plants rarely found in mainstream garden centres. Guest speakers, live music, and demonstrations added to the festival atmosphere, while the tempting aromas from food vendors made it impossible to resist sampling some local treats.

One of the highlights was the trio of al fresco food courts, where visitors gathered beneath beautifully yarn-bombed trees and the tables had handcrafted decorations. The colourful displays created a cheerful and welcoming setting, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere.

The fair supports a wonderful local cause. Proceeds from the event contribute to the Esk Mosaic Legacy Project, an inspiring community initiative responsible for the town’s distinctive volunteer-made mosaic totems, that are adding character and charm to the Historic railway precinct. This a completely not for profit event. Entrance was just $5.

Photos from the day. (There were a few!)

Find a spot!

We were amazed at the crowd, and the numbers who had come prepared and bought up big.

I should have had these in my garden!

Table decorations

A new 'Lady' has been created for the past 3 years.

Just modelling.

The mosaic totem pole project.

An ongoing project to crochet the wisteria to drape the length of the historic Esk Railway Station.

Crinkle Creek Garden Art sold out very quickly. 

This morning I happened upon this summary of the fair by one member.

The hours spent knitting crocheting, mosaicing and planning is mind boggling. We happen to sit with a member of the garden club. We were told that the club has more than 100 members. May of these are also members of the craft groups. 

The Esk Garden Fair is very, very impressive — A true celebration of community, creativity, and country hospitality.  It's an event I will be adding to my calendar. Perhaps not noticed before as I am usually visiting PEI. 

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Another Wet Week

 June is one of the driest and coolest months of the year in Brisbane, but this year, like elsewhere, our weather is unpredictable. This past week has again seen more cloudy wet days than sunshine. Some mornings were wonderful blue sky, only to be followed by cloud and showers in the afternoon.

The Gaiter Girls were unable to meet this week. Mary, for one, was too busy in NY with her Granddaughters and listening to the celebrations of the Knick's win. This gave me the opportunity to again join The Green walkers, on their weekly 6.30 am outing. The village bus took us to beneath the Story Bridge. We blissfully set off,  on to me, a very familar path of      6 km.

Midway, the heavens opened. Most of us came prepared.

 

Janice, 85, needed a breather.

The Hungry Hikers were to meet at 7.30 on Wednesday morning, with the priviso that we check the radar at 6 am to make a final decision.  Result, let's walk. Ha, ha, the rain came out of nowhere not long after. On arriving at Toohey Forest it had eased, but we decided to just walk 5 km and retire to Leanne's unit [not far away] for our cuppa.

Margot, still recovering from her hip replacement, and Joc, recovering from her deep surgery to remove a melanoma from the side of her foot, both joined us.

On Thursdays, I now regularly walk with The Green walkers. A local walk of 5 km and retiring to the village cafe afterwards. It is a lovely start to the day and for getting to know these residents. We were greeted by a fine misty rain, but it didn't dampen our spirits nor that of the local kookaburras.

Friday I spent in bed on an overcast day, suffering a reaction to my RSV injection on Thursday morning. On waking to stunning blue skies and sunshine on Saturday morning, I had an overwhelming need to make the most of it. I took the bus to Southbank. [I am loving how quick and easy it is to do this now.] After a lovely stroll end to end, I was joined by Joc. We found a lovely cafe for a bite to eat and people watch across the man made lagoon.

Joc left about 1pm and I headed for the West End markets. On exiting I was unexpectedly greeted by the first shower of the day.

And another as soon as I alighted from my bus.

Our son visited for dinner and the heavens well and truly opened as I drove him home. The bonus of this constant rain is lush green parks and gardens, so I am not complaining but trying to make the most of any sunshine.

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