The question must be asked, why do we struggle to grow plants in polluted city spaces or in the drought ravaged country when all odds are against us? Why do we try the impossible when we have to fight and contend with everything nature throws at us? Why do we devote all our time, resources, and energies to create “a garden” especially when we do this until our back aches and our hands begin to harden?
The answer is quite simple. We garden because of our sense of personal achievement, the use of our untapped inspiration, and the blending of our creative, practical, and physical skills. We cannot all be celebrated artists, nor can we all perform or write wonderful music and prose or rise to great heights as a statesman. Each of us, however, is a self-satisfied artist when we garden, be it with a few pots on a balcony or with a large sweep of acreage. We garden to give ourselves and those around us, happiness, and repose of mind as we express our artistic nature to beautify our surroundings. It is the creating and the designing of our surroundings and the selecting of plants and trees that entices us into this wonderful hobby.
Besides, what would life be without plants and gardens? Where would we be without the never-ending journey of learning about the intricacies of the plant world? Just when you think you have it perfect there is always more to lean and accomplish.
We are rewarded with the sight of delegate crinkled petals of poppies on long stems swaying in the breeze and the unforgettable face of pansies in their many varied coloured combinations and the splendour of flowering plums, cherries, peach, and pear trees as they announce that spring is here. These are just some of the cherished moments of gardening. Nor is there is one among us who cannot appreciate the beauty of our native flora grouped under a spreading eucalypt surrounded by lichen covered granite boulders thus evoking in us an admiration of nature’s rambling gardens. Nothing is more stunning than fifty meters of a moss covered post and rail fence backed by an impressive hedge of pink sasanqua camellias.
What better way is there to recharge those primeval urges of tilling the soil and growing something, than by attending the number one gardening event on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, the Stanthorpe Garden Club’s 2024 Stanthorpe Gardenfest and Trade Fair to be held at the Exhibition Centre, Stanthorpe Show Grounds, on Friday, 11th and Saturday 12th October, from 9.00 am until 4.00pm. Admission is free. It is a tremendous opportunity to view the latest releases in garden plants which are tolerant of local conditions. Collect some inspiring ideas from the landscaping specialists or purchase a garden ornament to fill in that vacant spot in the garden. If you are a new gardener, do not be afraid ask questions, as any of the plants people will be extremely willing to assist you in any way possible.
Come along and visit the 2024 Stanthorpe Gardenfest and Trade Fair. The Stanthorpe Garden Club looks forward to your company.
