The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Gardeners Know A Great Gift Any Time, Any Garden!
From Teresa Ward (L) to Derani Gearey (R) – a Brazilian red cloak plant goes to a new home
Just ask any gardener what they’d really like in their Christmas stocking and predictably, many would answer “a plant I haven’t already got.” And that, they say, is because this is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
It is the reason that every year, Beaudesert U3A’s largest single group gathers to share a Christmas lunch plus a muchanticipated gift swap.
Says Marilyn Liebke, the organiser of BUGs (aka Beaudesert U3A Gardeners), “We all bring a plant, and our names go into a hat, so that when we draw the names in order, people come up to the table of plants and choose something. Of course we are all eyeing off something that we would really love to have, so it is a great feeling when your name is called early!”
Many of the gardeners bring something they have propagated at home, although it’s quite acceptable to dash off to a local plant nursery and contribute a gift from there.
This year the group met on a perfect morning under the shady trees on a property which has been in the same family’s hands for four generations. It is now being run by Peter Ward, a keen believer in restoring areas of remnant vegetation and reclaiming the banks of the Albert River, which runs through his property 15 minutes outside Beaudesert.
Peter knows the individual stories of many of the thousands of plants which make this a green paradise. Every year he plants out more, aided by ongoing grants from the Scenic Rim Regional Council and its Land for Wildlife program.
“I haven’t finished yet – there must be another 60 metres to go on the southern edge!” he said.
One of his favourite areas provides habitat for echidnas and bandicoots and he was happy to show BUGs members around.
“I’m a bit echidna-mad …” he claimed. Marilyn Liebke was excited at the success of the day and the comments of members.
“This is a wonderful garden, all designed by Peter himself and so different to what we normally see,” she said. “It is amazing what one person can do.”
Name any seven ancient languages still used today?
BUGs meets once a month at The Club (formerly RSL) in Beaudesert and in
between times visits various events and gardens.
If you would like more information, contact Marilyn on 0429 006 194.
Check out U3A Beaudesert on the website, www.beaudesertu3a.com or on Facebook.