Tulip Top

Just outside Canberra, alongside the Federal Highway linking that city with Sydney, a family has worked on establishing a brilliant garden which they throw open to the public in Spring. They call the place tulip top, for reasons that will be clear on viewing the pictures attached. The day we (Dot, Emily and I) visited it, the weather was beautiful and the crowds thick on the ground as they ambled through the valley housing the display or climbing the various slopes for views from above.

It must have taken a huge amount of effort to create their vision over perhaps 10-15 years, but the results were outstanding. Everything was manicured perfectly: colour combinations; juxtaposition of flowering trees an bulbs; everything in bloom at the same time; landscaping with artificial waterfall and water features; mass flowers all at the same height; and neat paths and borders. The flowering trees were a surprise and delight, especially the hybrids which had blossom in up to three different colours on the same tree. And, for the hungry and thirsty, the hospitality tent threw in the likes of coffee and poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) free of charge.

It was really on of the high points of the year for me and another reason why our overseas visitors, if any, should try to come at the end of September and in early October. By the way, the temperature on the day in question was a nice 20C. By the way, the pictures were taken early before the hoards of people arrived!

AS