Scenic Rim Café, Kalbar QLD – A Christmas Catch-Up Under That Persimmon Tree
If you weren’t at this year’s HMAA Christmas Lunch, we’re sorry to tell you… you missed witnessing the largest, most magnificent persimmon tree in the history of horticultural gatherings. Honestly, its branches were so wide and impressive, the horticulturist soon showed their jealous side for the site’s glorious soil.
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us at the beautiful Scenic Rim Café—where the food is fabulous, the scenery is downright postcard-worthy, and the staff were so warm and welcoming they could teach customer service masterclasses. Nestled among rolling hills, big sky views and that award-worthy persimmon, it really was the perfect spot for our annual dose of festive horticultural celebrations.
Camaraderie bloomed instantly (no fertiliser required) as soon as we all arrived. It was wonderful to catch up with Chelsea, who made a rare and heroic escape from her busy nursery—rumour has it she left behind a note saying, “Water yourselves.”
Our members were again generous, donating a spectacular array of goodies to make the lucky door prizes feel like Christmas morning all over again. A massive thank-you to John and Annette Bunker of Redlands Nursery for the gorgeous plant gifts of Proven Winners new releases Buddleja davidii ‘Pugster‘ series TM and Lagerstroemia indica ‘Centre Stage’ series TM.
We also pause to give heartfelt thanks to Marion for her many years of dedication and kindness to our members. We send both Marion and John all our warmest wishes for the next chapter in their lives.
And of course… the quiz. Annette, our HMAA money manager, prepared a legendary, brain-twisting, slightly sadistic horticultural quiz. The weed common name antonyms caused much twitter about the table. Not a single person achieved 100% with Arno and Brian topping the list…. And so, they should after years of horticultural teaching.
A big thankyou to David for representing us on the Queensland Management Committee, and an equally big, happy welcome to Kate—our new QLD rep, who has already shown she’s more than ready for the interestingly varied world of HMAA.
With great company, delicious food, stunning scenery and a persimmon tree that should honestly have its own postcode, it was a Christmas lunch to remember.
Here’s to more laughs, more greenery and even more competitive trivia in the year ahead!
Cheers and Merry Christmas to all
Kate Wall HMAA Management Committee Qld representative
Annette Irish HMAA Treasurer
