Have You Seen Danny Deck Chair?

Dear Gardening
Ever since I saw the film, Danny Deck chair, I’ve wanted to visit Bellingen. When Danny flew to this part of the mid north coast, on a chair, with balloons attached to it, I’ve dreamed of coming here.

I decided to drive. This place didn’t disappoint. It’s so green, the Bellinger River runs through the valley, its dairy country, it rains here a lot.

Today we started off at the Show ground for The Growers Market and Poultry sales. I could have bought a Rooster today for $10.00. I had a Chilli Coffee, it could be my last, but the Guatemalan Barista had charm and style.

I got my photo taken in front of a giant Camphor Laurel, the timber makes fabulous fragrant chopping boards, but they are not native, and they self seed, so they are frowned upon.

We walked the Main Street, so many beautiful Native street trees have been planted here. The glossy green leaves just make the place so welcoming. The shadiest places attracted the most customers.

It just has a beautiful vibe here, I can understand why so many people move here, the houses in the back streets had beautiful gardens.

I’m in Dorigo now, I got recognised in the Main Street by a follower, she was so surprised to see me, I had the red scarf on. We shook hands, it’s super cold in Dorigo, it reminded me of Batlow, no apples here but there’s huge Magnolia trees and Rhododendrons.

I nearly froze last night, we are camping in Dorrigo. It’s like The Snowy mountains without snow. We had dinner in the Hotel Dorrigo, I had The Lamb Rack, it was delicious. I had a glass of Red wine with it, the place was pumping.

The Camping ground only had a few stars but I think it’s because the showers had the same tiles as my parents house which was built in 1978. It brought back beautiful memories for me and the showers were amazingly hot and waterfall like.

In the middle of the night it became icy cold and I reached for my Onkaparinga blanket, it may have saved my life.

We got up early and headed back to town, one of the only places open is Components Cafe, what a delight. An old guy raced us to the front steps, he’d unfolded himself out of a Red Mazda MX5, he was art, he made his way to his favourite spot, in front of the fire. The staff knew him, his food and coffee miraculously appeared.

I thanked the waiter for working on Sunday for us, she was a bit surprised by that. The cafe was amazing, indoor plants were thriving despite the fire, the big windows let in lots of light.

The food came, it was art that you could eat, I noticed a big bunch of Daphne in a vase, on the counter, when I went to pay, the fragrance was delicious. I told them how much I loved the place.

I’d heard the waiter describe where the toilet was, she gave enough directions to end up in another town. I accepted this challenge.
I discovered a beautiful rambling garden.

I’ve walked through the town, there’s flowers having fun here and making people smile. The hardy plants always turn up to please.

A free range Rooster is walking up the street, like it owns it.

We have Daphne, grow one in a big pot. You will love the fragrance, it’s amazing. Use our Tim’s Best Potting mix.
Happy gardening
Tim