BAYVIEW PROPAGATION - Sep 26
On an unusually misty morning, 23rd September, the group met at Tastebuds on Mona Vale Road in Terrey Hills for morning tea. The refreshment stop was followed by a short drive to Nancy and Ted Shaw’s beautiful property on the Bayview Plateau overlooking the Pittwater.
Nancy and Ted Shaw moved into an existing house in Bayview Heights in 2001 and have transformed their 0.4-hectare (1-acre) triangular corner block into a horticultural mosaic of garden types. Soaring above the sight lines are beautifully assorted gums and native trees. The gums are so high and yet you still have an unimpeded view to the Pittwater from the front.
To start they had a guided tour of the property and Nancy collected cuttings of any plants that took anyone’s fancy. The Sydney Rock orchids were in abundance.
The property has a large native garden at the front, and other areas of cottage garden, vegetable and small orchard areas. There are many exotics in these gardens and shade houses where Ted propagates his orchids, Hoyas and Tillandsias.
They then moved indoors for a demonstration of how to propagate successfully. Nancy had sample bags all pre-prepared with propagating mix, pots, sticks and bags for each of us to make our own mini hothouses.
Through the trees the Pittwater is visible - what a setting!
What a wonderful day. The Shaw’s were so generous in their time and effort making sure we left armed with knowledge and enthusiasm to “give it a go”.
Lunch was at the Bayview Golf Club where we relaxed and enjoyed a lovely lunch and view over the golf club.
