Marie said she has lived at Moppy for 60 years, with the only access in the early days on horseback. Now the gravel road provides easier, quicker access to the well-known Laurie family beef producing property. However, the oak tree is a nostalgic reminder as it was planted 54-years-ago at the birth of her third child, Ted.

Despite four car loads travelling further than they needed to, a near-record over 55 members and visitors made the hour-long trip. 

Marie was enthusiastic about the visit and was keen to provide pieces from her garden to anyone who wanted either a root or a cutting.

During the meeting, president Shirley Hazell badged two new members, Fay Kent and Mandy Griffis, and membership forms were signed by two visitors. 

There were reports about the 16 members present at Krambach Garden Lovers Club meeting at Nabiac, the club’s involvement in the Waukivory Spring Fair, and  a possible visit to Curracabundi National Park and Karemea Homestead.

The club is arranging an interpretative walk in Gloucester District Park from 9.30am on Saturday, October 14 as its part in Garden Clubs of Australia National Gardening Week.

‘Things to do in October’ was presented by Margaret Blamires, a brainstorming session on growing beans was presented by Kerry Marston, and an interesting discourse on slate mining in the Walcha area by Frank Beggs. A white insect invading citrus trees was identified as Cottony Cushion Scale (and not mealy bugs) but both can be treated with applications of white oil, Confidor or Pyrethrum.

Flower competition winners: 1st Anne Cullum Double Delight Rose, 2nd Peter Hazell Clematis 2 and 3rd Anne Williamson Phalaenopsis orchid. Vegies: 1st Peter Hazell onion, 2nd Fred Rees asparagus and 3rd Merlene Curby asparagus. Lucky door: Terry Hardwick, member draw Anne Cullum, and raffle, Dot Harris, Kerry Marston, Amy Maslen, Jane Harris and Judy Holstein.