In my role as president of The Garden Clubs of Australia, I was invited over as special guest of the Renmark Garden Club for their 60th birthday celebrations. As I drove into town I was greeted by a dazzling display of roses, bedded along the main avenue and spilling over garden fences, a veritable rose carpet!

With a penchant for quirky accommodation, I enjoyed a two-night stay on board the Murray River Queen, a retired paddleboat moored on the town’s river frontage.

A terrific evening of celebration was spent with members of the local garden club and much of the following day, enjoying delicious food, local wines, sightseeing, much laughter and naturally I threw in a few old show tunes.

A highlight was a visit and tour of Ian Tolley’s garden, Australia's foremost citrus expert. I was delighted when he presented me with a copy of his new book - Commonsense Citrus! 

Remark is situated in the South Australian Riverland region - the fruit bowl of the state. Not only planted with thousands of acres on vineyards, producing almost a quarter of Australia’s wine crush, but also almonds, citrus, apricots, peaches, avocados, mangoes - the list goes on.

The dried fruits are particularly delectable, especially chocolate dipped!

This rich harvest is all made possible by the mighty River Murray, the lifeblood of the economy and the environment, plus a combination of the regions Mediterranean climate and fertile soils.

I travelled along the route of the River Murray, enjoying majestic views at various lookouts and riverside towns, on the way to my next stop, Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills.

Cooler in climate, the deciduous trees here are on the cusp of igniting the region with a dazzling display of autumn foliage.

Hahndorfs main street and the nearby Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens were already warming up with stunning specimens of Japanese maple, golden ash and liquidambar.

Following my meetings in the area, enjoyed in the local cafes, I made a visit to The Cedars, home and studio of renowned artist Sir Hans Heysen.

His paintings of eucalypts and the Australian bush are iconic and many of his works were inspired by views from this property.

The old-fashioned country garden was a delight with rambling roses, hydrangeas, geraniums, mature cedars and naked ladies everywhere - belladonna lilies of course!

Vivid images from a memorable visit!

Happy gardening,

George