Mayfield Garden Weekend
24 November 2018 / Story by Fiona Shedden, Photos by Bryan Shedden, Rob Wilkins, Greg Unger, Keith Monaghan
It was a weekend of Weirdness, Wonderous Gardens and a mix of coming and going people.
A large contingent met up at Hungry Jacks Hayward Bay for what promised to be a fun trip away with a bit of a difference. After a beautiful run up Macquarie Pass and through all the backroads through Bundanoon, Tallong, we briefly rejoined the Hume Motorway before taking the first exit to Marulan - well all except our lead car who managed to miss the turn!
The Meridian Café was as usual welcoming, and after morning tea and a quick stop in at the handcraft shop we were back on the road taking the back road to Goulburn.
After we parked and then wandered around the block to find the Park-n-ride we joined the queue to get out to the Steampunk Festival. We were joined by a couple in full Cosplay outfits to introduce us to the theme. Upon arrival at the festival we were amazed at the efforts that people and their dogs had gone to. It was definitely a sight to behold. Lunch, wandering around, playing some old time games down by the river and checking out all the weird and wonderful stalls and people.
The last members at the Festival made it back to the car park just as the heavens opened, while some relaxed at the pub others did a small spot of retain therapy, and yet others waited in their cars. We left Goulburn in torrential rain, which continued - at times getting slightly lighter – as we headed towards Oberon via Taralga and Abercrombie. It was a shame about the rain as the road was wonderful, but the standing water not so much fun.
Arrival at our motel was greeted by the rain taking a break, and we quickly reconvened to a central dining room for drinks, nibbles and much chatting before dinner. A lovely dinner was served and everyone had a blast meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.
The next morning after enjoying a continental breakfast accompanied by the smell of a full breakfast the motel owner had cooked for us without asking if we wanted it. It was then goodbyes again to some, before we headed the short 10min drive to the gardens where we met up with the RPM crew. The time at the gardens was free although the large contingent took the shuttle bus right up to the chapel to allow us to slowly meander back down to the café for our healthy lunch. After lunch there was a parting again as some headed home, others wanted more time in the amazing garden. The garden is the largest privately owned garden in the Southern Hemisphere, with a full time staff of 35 gardeners (and always looking for more). The gardens were out of this world, and as the post event photos were posted on facebook it was a common theme that this should be a regular event to see how the gardens develop and enjoy once more this spectacular flowering garden.
Click here for Bryan Shedden's photos
Click here for Rob Wilkins' photos
Click here for Greg Unger's photos
Click here for Keith Monaghan's photos
