The Wollondilly River broke its banks and water spread over the horse paddocks at the back of the property.

In the garden, naked ladies can be seen. These summer bulbs have sprang to life, after the rain, and their pink flowers contrast with the maroon blooms of the cosmos and the pink shades of the geraniums.

Something else making the volunteers smile at Riversdale is the wildlife which is attracted to the garden. From time to time, blue tongue lizards are seen sometimes seeking shelter under the wooden floored verandah on the eastern side of the house.

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About two years ago, two lizards found a home under the chair cupboard on the back verandah at Riversdale.

This year, only one lizard is living under the cupboard. We have called the lizard Lizzie and on sunny days Lizzie can be seen soaking up the warmth or just looking out watching the goings on at Riversdale.

Full of curiosity, Lizzie likes to explore and has found the way around the verandah to the back door and into the house. A gentle nudge has got Lizzie back outside but more than once Lizzie has nearly been stepped on.

A "sausage" draft extruder and the back door closed as much as possible has fixed that problem.

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Lizzie also visits the small room at the end of the verandah, opposite the chair cupboard, which the gardeners use as a store room, and hiding amongst the shovels and rakes, can disappear for a couple of days before reappearing.

Lizzie has been seen scurrying along the narrow brick path which leads from the verandah around the plant nursery and down to the old kitchen/coach house, from there it is close to the garden where Lizzie can snack on greenery and hunt for insects and snails.

This year Riversdale attended the Goulburn Show, it was nice to have the opportunity to promote Riversdale and the work of the National Trust (NSW). The volunteers at the show were kept busy speaking to the many people from Goulburn and surrounds who dropped by the Riversdale stall. Congratulations to the show society for organizing such a marvellous event. It was the Goulburn A.P& H. Society's 140th year of operation.

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Agricultural Shows, mainly featuring ploughing matches, were held in Goulburn from 1846. In September 1864 the Argyle Agricultural Society expanded its show to include horse and poultry exhibitions as well as the usual ploughing matches.

Local solicitor JT (John) Gannon, who lived at Riversdale for about eighteen months from 1867 to 1869, was one of the judges of the poultry section. Being a judge did not stop John from entering his birds in the show. Apparently John's white Aylesbury ducks were considered very fine and won first prize. John also won a prize for his game fowls.

The son of an Irish convict John Gannon came to Goulburn 1859 and set up a legal practice. This was soon after the Municipality of Goulburn had been established and John, as well as running his law office, was the Municipality's first town clerk. A civic minded man John was a member of many organisations in town. As well as supporting the various show societies John was involved with the Mechanic's Institute and the Goulburn Hospital. John served one term as mayor and became the member for Argyle in the colonial N.S.W. Parliament. He was forced to resign from parliament, due to ill health, in 1885 and passed away two years later.

Our next Devonshire teas will be held on Sunday 15 March along with Riversdale's popular car boot sale. Turn unwanted treasures into cash. For just $10 you can turn "treasures" you no longer need into cash by selling them to someone who will love them. To be part of Riversdale's Autumn Car Boot sale phone or email Riversdale (riversdale@nationaltrust.com.au) to book a place.

Come out to Riversdale and browse the car boots for a bargain. Visit Riversdale house and shop. Take A stroll in the garden and enjoy a jam and cream scone treat.

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 (02) 4821 7441.

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