The Ponds

After a little instagram inspiration from Paulette, yesterday we hit the road and headed north to the Derwent Valley to visit the Salmon Ponds at Plenty.  I love the Derwent Valley, it seems somehow more Georgian than the Huon, with its mid 19th century farmhouses and lovingly restored oast houses dotted among the rolling green hills.

Arriving at the Salmon Ponds, I couldn't help but fall in love with the old hatchery buildings and the impressive gardens.  Hawthorn hedges surround expansive grassed areas that showcase a large collection of historic trees.  The Salmon Ponds were established around 1864, and the garden planted with an enviable collection of exotic trees, some still standing 150 years later.

Feeding fish, a picnic lunch, and a walk along the river bank for a peek into the original Walden inspired fishing cabin, arranged as if the angler had only ducked out moments ago, kept us busy for hours.  Then it was into the museum in an old cottage, that left both me and the children wanting to move right in.  The peeps so they could climb the trees every day and I fancied taking over the cafe and serving afternoon teas.  At the very least I came away wondering where I could put a hawthorn hedge at home, and realised that the chestnut tree I planted doesn't have nearly enough room to grow into the fine specimen we admired.

Sigh. It's good to know that despite being an instagram addict, it can inspire me to get outdoors and fuel our dreams.

10 comments holidays, nature, tasmania

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