HMA NSW’s Big Day Out
HMA NSW enjoyed perfect weather on Saturday 24 August for our Big Day Out to the Central Coast area north of Sydney.
We started at Bromeliads Australia, where the three generations of the Larnach family shared their story and expertise.
Robert, Gleness, Jamie, Jenny and Angus explained how they had started and told us some of their exciting plans for the future. It was a great opportunity to see stunning new varieties being bred by these experts and to visit the brand new, purpose-built quarantine facility that allows them to bring new material into the country. Thanks to all the Larnach clan – they were extra busy on this day getting ready to head off to the NGINA Trade Day at Port Macquarie next morning.
Then to nearby Wyee Nursery for a delicious lunch and a chance to see, and buy, top quality plants. It was wonderful to see how inspiration, good management and teamwork could combine to develop a very successful business. Congratulations to Nichole, Adrian and their staff.
After lunch we travelled south to Paradise Plants at Kulnura where we were met by John Robb, part owner and plant breeder. John and Bob Cherry established Paradise Plants in the 1970s and they continue developing exciting new varieties (such as the double-flowered ‘Lavish’ lavenders). Bob has moved on to a new garden in Tasmania but John was able to take us on a tour of Bob’s legacy garden at Paradise. Those of us who visited the garden in the early days were amazed to see mature specimens of the incredible range of unusual plants that Bob had brought back from his many overseas expeditions.
It was a fascinating day for anyone interested in horticulture. And we had fun!
John Robb showing us the unusual flowers of Anneslea fragrans.
