The Garden Festival didn’t start well for my mother. We’d just entered the event and were looking at award winning hanging basket displays when she was stung by a bee. My mother has a number of allergies and normally carries antihistamines, but she had a new handbag and hadn’t transferred her pill box. The St John’s Ambulance post administered pain relief and monitored her for some time and eventually we continued on our way.
The Perth Garden Festival has plants for sale, advice about everything to do with gardens, talks and demonstrations, food and wine, power tools, garden equipment and outdoors furniture and decorations. I was really inspired to grow tomatoes in big hanging baskets. That would be a surprise for the river rats who maraud in our garden at night.
Sat and watch one of the cooking demonstrations. Great presenters and delicious samples.
Local fish, local vegetables and even advice on how to grow the saffron which was one of the flavourings in this dish. Delicious samples and I’ve washed out the little plastic bowl to use as a paint pot.
Decorating ideas and lots of outdoor areas, perfect for our long summers.
Focus on water wise plantings.
I think this is Banksia victoriae, commonly known as Woolly Orange banksia. It is a native plant common in Western Australia and very striking.
Not sure the name of this yellow holly-leafed banksia, either, but they are relatively common throughout the south west of Western Australia and look so attractive in the bush and are popular with florists. Please let me know if I have wrongly identified the banksias!
Succulents are still very popular and well suited to our harsh climate.
Isn’t this an interesting bromeliad?
This once a year event is enjoyed by thousands of people. It is very inspiring. There’s such a range of plants, seeds, bulbs and tubers and everything you need to improve your soil, build and decorate an outdoor area and so much more information.
Anzac biscuits were created to be long lasting as they were sent by sea to our soldiers serving overseas during WW1 and became a staple. The smaller biscuits on the right are made to the original recipe and the larger biscuits on the left are a modern recipe including coconut. Both taste good!
Wednesday was ANZAC Day (Australian New Zealand Army Corps) when Australian and New Zealanders remember those involved in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping missions. We attend services and marches and for most people, it is a public holiday. A day of remembrance and reflection, often spent with friends and family. Many people make Anzac biscuits to eat at this time.