We recently made the bi-annual journey to far north NSW to visit immediate family living in the area. I quite enjoy these visits as it gives us an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape as well as catch up with friends that have migrated to the area from Sydney.

This visit we had planned to meet our friends living in Ipswich for brunch and then leave the remainder of the day’s activities up to them. Knowing us quite well, we were taken to the cute retro cafe, Deann’s Coffee House, and then presented with the following options: tour the historical railways and museum, or attend the Ipswich Plant Expo, which coincided with our visit. Of course we chose the latter, saving the railways for next time.

The expo was held at the Ipswich Turf Club and was well set up with a good mix of stalls. I got stuck at the heritage seed stalls perusing the more unusual vegetable varieties and did purchase a few packets to try out back home.

There were also plenty of stalls selling plants, with the carnivorous and the native edibles being my favourites. Unfortunately, there was no way I was going to be able to board my aircraft for the return journey home with an arm full of plants, so we have planned to drive up next time and contact the retailers then.

Among the stalls were two dedicated to bee-keeping – Australian Native Bees and Adopt a Beehive.

I have to admit that bee-keeping has become a more recent fascination for me. It is probably due to the need for pollination in the new orchard to ensure a good crop of fruit, and maybe the thought of pure raw honey for consumption. So far there has been some discussion with "the husband" about the possibility of setting up an apiary, though at this stage it is not in my favour… yet.