The Riversdale garden is waking from its winter slumber and the early flowering bulbs jonquils, snowflakes and of course daffodils along with spring flowering blossom trees are displaying shades of yellow, cream, white and pink.

Next comes the tulips with their vibrant hues of deep pink and burgundy contrasting with the brilliant orange of the Californian Poppy. Later in spring, it's the blue and purple shades of Riversdale's signature flower: the Iris, which cover the garden.

When the Irises are in bloom, it's time for Riversdale's Rare Plants and Grower's Garden Fair. Held at the beginning of November this year, Riversdale's big event will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Make sure the date is in your diary because it's a great day out.

A little bit of Scotland descended on Riversdale last Devonshire tea day when the Canberra Scottie dog group held a social get-together in the garden.

Organised by a Goulburn member of the group, about 55 adorable Scottie dogs or Scottish Terriers along with their cousins the Westies (West Highland Terriers) and their owners travelled from Canberra, Sydney and the Southern Highlands for the day.

All tails were wagging as the dogs greeted their four legged mates and then, after tea and scones, owners and dogs had a walk around the property. Tired out after the walk, the dogs were happy to relax while their best friends enjoyed a picnic lunch.

The Goulburn Spinners and Weavers also joined us on the day, demonstrating their spinning and weaving techniques.

The Riversdale garden, with its many mature trees, is a haven for birdlife.

Recently one of our resident peewees suffered a mishap and was discovered by two of the gardening volunteers hanging by its leg upside down from a tree branch. Somewhere in its travels the bird had managed to get a piece of twine tangled around its leg and this got caught around a tree branch.

The volunteers freed the bird and rushed it to the veterinary hospital, where it received treatment. When our winged friend is well enough, the National Trust will pass its care on to Wires for convalescence. The gardening volunteers will bring the bird back to its home at Riversdale once fully recovered.

Our next popular Devonshire tea will be held on Sunday, September 15, along with our spring car boot sale. After a jam and cream scone treat, browse the car boot stalls and take a tour of the house or wander the garden. Visit the Riversdale shop and check out our unique range of giftware, books and cards. The latest batch of homemade jams, pickles and chutneys is now available for sale in our shop. Our medlar tree planted in the 1840s has allowed us to create jars of Medlar Jelly and Chutney.

Turn spring cleaning into cash. For just $10 you can turn the 'treasures' you no longer need into cash by selling them on to someone who will love them. To be part of Riversdale's Spring Car Boot Sale phone or email Riversdale (riversdale@nationaltrust.com.au) to book a place.

Sunday, October 6: Lilac Time Devonshire Tea. This year Riversdale will be part of the Goulburn Lilac City Festival. After the street parade you can come to Riversdale and enjoy a Devonshire tea or a lilac iced cup cake with a cuppa. Take a tour of the house and view our award-winning garden at its glorious best in springtime.

Sunday, November 3 from 10am to 3pm: Riversdale Rare Plants and Grower's Garden Fair.. This is Riversdale's big event of the year featuring plant and garden themed stalls, garden tours and talks by gardening experts.

Opening times

National Trust (NSW)'s Riversdale house and garden is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm. 2 Twynam Drive, Goulburn, NSW. Telephone 48217441.

For more information on Riversdale visit our website at nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/Riversdale or follow us on Facebook @RiversdaleHomesteadNSW

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