After steady rain this Spring, we are officially out of a 9 year drought in all areas of New South Wales. The grounds of Stud farm, Upper Hunter Valley, my workplace, is looking particularly attractive as I look out my office window. The rains have spoiled the proliferation of climbing roses, but their delicate apricot hue still reminds me of their beauty.

From the Common room area where we sit to eat our catered lunch each day, I am drawn to the magnificent escarpment into the distance. It feels so ancient and I never tire of this scenery.

Japonica

The japonica flower is a delight to see. The flowers form, and then they form, and then they just keep forming for months and months before this delicate cascade of bells finally shows in early Spring. They take me back fondly to a wonderful trip we made to Japan in 2003.

Can you imagine dainty geisha girls with their ballet like grace

and hair adorned with delicate mauve japoncia flowers tinkling and swaying this way and that as they gently incline their pretty little faces to smile up at you?

Orchids

My favourite old orchid has finally burst into flower. The plant itself is around 30 years old and has seen many moves. The buds dotted all the way down on each of 9 spikes took so long to open this year. I wondered if they were in shock from our recent move and the extra bitey prolonged frosts we have had in Muswellbrook. They are much happier and healthier since moving to the Hunter Valley. On the coast and one block from the sea in Port Macquarie NSW we were lucky to even see one spike per year.

A drive along the Golden Highway

Saturday is my fun day and I love to go for a drive around the district particularly at the change of season. Spring in the Upper Hunter Valley is beautiful and everywhere there are signs of new life. The Golden Highway from Denman to Merriwa is alive with golden splashes of colour, perhaps not the original reason for naming this highway, but the wattle everywhere would fool you into thinking that is the reason for it's name (fools gold maybe?). Up close, the wattle is such a textural and visual experience, radiant luminescent yellow with green spikey leaves, the flowers like feathery tiny pom pons. The green and gold is so typical of Australian scenery.