My Mum
 This is a Mothers Day story about my late departed Mum, Vena Wood. My mother owned a Nursery on the Corner of Banksia Road and Denman Avenue Caringbah in the late fifties and early sixties, Caringbah Nursery and Caringbah Garden Supplies said the name on the sign out front. She was a hard working and selfless mum who loved her plants and especially her Camellias. She made a lot of friends in the Nursery and Garden circles and became heavily involved with the Australian Camellia Research Society in the 60’s and 70’s. She later ran, the large (at the time) garden department in Woolworths in Caringbah, when it was on the Kingsway.
However, Mum’s involvement with the Australian Camellia Research Society and the driving force of other members like Bruce Rose, Eric Utik and Mr Greentree who my Mum called friends and who worked with these committed people to build by hand the EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens on the Corner of President Avenue and Kareena Road Caringbah. It was my Mum’s passion and she loved seeing the creation. Following a major stroke around Christmas 1983, my mum gave up her hands on approach to her beloved Camellias and lost contact with the friends she had made during this era. But she took up painting, a skill she had developed as a teenager and as part of her rehabilitation she became a proficient artist, this time with her left hand, just to create a challenge. Her favourite subject: Camellias. My Mum died a few years ago in 2004 and I remember her legacy, every time I visit the Camellia Gardens. I recently went there with my Grandson Finnegan and Granddaughter, Isla, and took some photos of her favourite critter, the Ducks. Isla loves ducks and has a photo on her wall that I gave her. Recently I entered that Photo in to the Canon/Adobe Photo Safari Competition and to my surprise I was selected as a Finalist. I get to have my works featured at Amplify Your Creativity in Sydney on May 14th and spend some time with Julieanne Kost, an Adobe Icon, on a photoshoot. I am so thrilled and thank my Mum for her efforts that helped me achieve this. I know you’re up there Mum, have a great day. |
I know every pathway in Camellia Gardens. My own secret playground as a child.. Camellia Gardens is a beautiful epitaph to your mother.
Thank you for your comnents and thoughts.
John your mum must have been a very
interesting lady., a hard worker and how
wonderful for her and the family to see
the beginnings of the Camellia Gardens
and the passion she had . You are so
proud of her achievements it was lovely
to read her story .
Thanks Lynn. She was very proud of her contribution there and we always remember her when we visit or pass by.
This is lovely, only just spotted this article. Your mother was my husband’s 2nd cousin, 1 x removed. Will think of your family next when we see some camilia gardens. Angela Xx
Hi Angela,
Sorry I only just spotted your comment. Thank you for that.
Who is your husband? I would like to ensure that you and he keep up to date with my family history stories.
Regards
John Wood
I love going to the Camellia Gardens. I have been going there on and off for many years, and never knew this. Thanks for sharing.