ONSunday I was the guest of the City of Devonport at a classical meets jazz music festival and this was a sheer pleasure.
The concert was held at the Arboretum, Devonport’s botanic garden, recognised as a place of beauty and a place with the promise of becoming an internationally known garden.
Monday evening I had cause to be at Wilson Botanic Park in the City of Casey and this made me realise the extent of the treasure this community has in its ownership of that park.
A Friends of Wilson Botanic Park member and Berwick resident of nearly 50 years, Rena Bueler, gave me food for thought during that meeting.
Rena, who had been helping at the park, put her feelings on paper about just one event that happens annually in the park, the Valentine’s Day picnic.
She wrote a thank you to people for their support of the park: “For some time, Wilson Botanic Park has given the scenic and tranquillity of the backdrop of its lakeside setting for the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
“Hampers for the picnics can be ordered in advance or couples can bring their own picnics to the park.
“Ladies will receive a rose on arrival and both parties will have a complimentary glass of champagne.
“Romantic live music sets the mood for the next three hours for lovers young and not so young.
“The twinkle in the eyes of the more mature couples is as bright as are the shiny eyes of the young lovers.
“One sees heartshaped boxes of chocolate and one can also smell fish and chips or pizzas.
“And what about the young mother who pointed to her small toddler and said ‘she was conceived at last year’s Valentine’s Day’.
“Thank you Wilson Botanic Park for providing the opportunity for the pleasure of so many people on that most romantic day in the year and thank you from those who are filled with memories.
“Visitors depart with a happy note and a cheerful see you next year.”
Thanks to Rena and her friends for what they do at the park.