Red Cow Gardens

01 November 2022 / Story: Martin Allen; Photos: Anda Clayton, Sue Allen, Senia Gaunson

Red Cow Gardens - 28 October 2022

We didn’t find the Red Cow, but the Red Cow Gardens are a treat for the eyes. Fantastic.

Starting the day, Anda and Brian Clayton (red ND) met Bob and Karen Olde (white Corolla masquerading as a green NB) at Milton. Then, off for the drive along the Princes Highway to Tomerong, where we were joined by Dewi and Neil, and onto the Bangalay Village at Shoalhaven Heads. Anda and Brian, with top down, collected a few leaves and twigs blown into their car on the way by the strong winds; but the sun shone all day!

 At Bangalay Village all the members met for morning coffee and cakes, with Kerry and Lesley Warner (white ND) warming up before leading the members onto Red Cow Gardens via Albion Park. Departure was a little late as some members found themselves too engrossed in conversation. Leaving Shoalhaven Heads were Kerry and Lesley Warner, Anda and Brian Clayton, Bob and Karen Olde, Martin and Sue Allen (blue ND), Dewi and Neil Brewitt (red ND), Paul Rigney (blue NC). A confession, some of us decided the wind would win the day and we left our tops up. Hope we will be forgiven for this transgression.

 We headed north along the Princes Highway to meet our Illawarra Chapter members at Albion Park, Leann Hudson (red ND), and Senia and Bob Gaunson (red ND). “We are here” was the message from the Illawarra members, and “where are you?”. Hmmm, blame the loquacious ones or just say we are close. The latter was the best choice.

 Onto the Illawarra Highway towards Moss Vale. “See the waterfalls” came the voice over our CB radios as water spilled over the escarpment in the distance. Yes, we know it has rained a lot. A lovely sight just the same.

 The drive up to Moss Vale was a pleasure. A great drive in our MX5’s and Corolla. Soon ‘tail end Charlie’ was joined by a Police BMW. No problems, perhaps the local Police just wanted to share the drive with our procession.

 Arriving at Red Cow Gardens, and parting with the admission fee, we strolled the truly beautiful garden rooms set around a tranquil central pond. We spied photos of the then barren country side that was Red Cow Gardens in 1992. Hard to believe that these lovely gardens are only 30 years old. Love, blood, sweat and tears have produced gardens any horticulturist would be proud to have been a part of building and maintaining. Well done to them. We will be back.

 Having satiated our eyes, it was time to share the pleasure with our stomachs so off to the Burrawang Village Hotel for lunch. Just a lovely pub with great grub. Try the apple and pork sausages, you won’t be disappointed. Settling onto our tables, the sun still shone, but the wind continued to blow. Time to share spare coats with those who forgot to read the weather reports before departing for the drive. Over lunch we were joined by Currawongs heading to high altitudes to escape the coming summer heat in the plains below. Seems at least one of the birds decided to share their morning’s meal with Brian Clayton. Time to move seats away from under the trees! Just in time, as a woman on a table behind us soon shared the same fate.

 After lunch we all made our own ways home. A great day. Thankyou Kerry and Lesley for leading the drive.