by Gay Dutton, PRHRiA Committee Member - Editor & New Member Liaison
On a sunny November Thursday morning we set off early from Perth, picking up more passengers at Armadale on our way south, arriving at Seamus Johnson’s beautiful roses garden in Newlands mid-morning.
Unfortunately the weather was rather warm, very still and humid with many cutting short their tour of the garden and retreating to the shade.
We decided to continue our trip, driving onto Bridgetown for lunch, then to the Ronk’s beautiful park-like garden at Quininnup in the afternoon. As we entered the property we drove past huge trees of burgundy, yellow, lime and dark green, then opening out into expansive lawns, a huge lake and large wide garden beds – totally breathtaking. The home was nestled into the side of the hill overlooking the lake, gardens and countryside.
From the main area, one could then wander off through paths shaded by trees and view the many different types of plants, shrubs and trees. Around every corner there was always something different. It was totally mesmerising and one could easily spend a full day in these beautiful surroundings. Susan and her husband were so generous with their time and knowledge answering numerous questions which we all really appreciated. Reluctantly we had to move on to Pemberton for our overnight stay at the hotel.
Day Two began with collecting blueberry muffins from the local bakery as we were not stopping enroute for morning tea. So, while the bus was loaded Kate and I in her trusty vehicle (she met us at ‘Mostly Roses’ having come direct from the farm), set off as instructed by the hotel, down the hill (it was definitely a hill, not a gentle slope) and over the railway line which was some distance away. Collected a huge box of muffins, rejoined the group and with the sun shining set off for an enjoyable day.
After the hour’s drive through the countryside which was beautiful and very relaxing, everyone was eager to see “Mattamattup” home and garden, owned by Cheryl and Dennis Wilson, in the Kangaroo Valley.
The property of 200 acres was settled around 1914 with livestock and orchard. As time progressed the orchard was enlarged a couple of times to 40 acres, originally with pears and Granny Smith apples and later more varieties of apples which were exported overseas. Then the codling moth hit in 1993 and everything was wiped out and bulldozed into the ground. There is still livestock on the property to this day, then around 2005 gardening took hold, natives at first but the love and passion for roses took over. There are now 400+ roses, with many heritage roses. The size of some of the rose bushes were unbelievable and it was wonderful having Cheryl and Dennis walk with us answering questions and adding snippets of information. Dennis was amazing when asked the name of a rose, he not only named the rose, but also when it was planted and from whom he purchased the rose – naming the nursery or Bunnings! We left there knowing a little more about roses and life in the country.
PS. Dennis also had a number of wonderful art sculptures created from recycled materials throughout the garden.
RHS image: 'Julia's Rose" amongst the rootstock "Dr Huey'
Departing “Mattamattup” it was an hour’s drive to Boyanup our final stop on the trip and everyone was a little peckish, so it was time to produce the blueberry muffins – and were they delicious!! A very large muffin and the biggest blueberries we had ever seen and so juicy. Thoroughly recommend the Pemberton Bakery as Kate and I also ‘checked out’ the other pastries and cakes.
On our way to Boyanup we passed through Bridgetown and said our fond farewell to the locals of this beautiful town.
As we were running early it was suggested stopping off at ‘Boyanup Blueberry farm’ just north of Boyanup (on the right hand side travelling south) to purchase blueberries. People were keen to do so and the owners would have be very happy when they checked their money box that afternoon! At $15.00 per kilo the blueberries were so much larger (and juicier) than the ones you see in Perth, they were a bargain!
It was back to Boyanup for lunch at a couple of cafes, a visit to Rustic French Living, Craggy Pear and second hand shop, then back on the bus to Perth, then onto Armadale.
I would like to say a Special ‘Thank You’ to our wonderful bus couple Reegan and Cassidy from Waroona Harvey Bus Services, who were so helpful, courteous and went far beyond what was expected of them to make our trip so enjoyable. Gay
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