Stitching in the Orchard

My Thursday stitching friends, known to us as Clementina's Girls, got together yesterday at Petty's Orchard for lunch, some chatting then afternoon tea.  We were supposed to be sewing too, but no one opened their sewing boxes.
Petty's Orchard is the home of many varieties of heirloom apples and everything is organic and delicious.

Petty's Orchard is the home of the Heritage Fruits Society and here's what they write about its history.

In 1853 Thomas Petty arrived in Australia from England and selected land in the Doncaster and Templestowe area. It was Thomas Pettys' grandson, Thomas Henry, who, in 1911, first bought the property that is located at Homestead Road, nestled along the Yarra River.

Thomas Henry was the first of three generations of Pettys to work the Homestead Road orchard. The Petty Family managed the orchard until Parks Victoria purchased the property in 1981.

The orchards that once covered the Doncaster and Templestowe area are fast disappearing. The Heritage Fruit Society manages and maintains the heritage fruit collection in Petty's Orchard. We are part of a world wide network which is conserving antique apple varieties and protecting them from extinction.

Pettys Orchard uniquely encompasses an antique apple orchard, commercial orchard, wetlands and bird hide. Its 44 hectares includes approximately two hectares of Demonstration Orchard and 25 hectares of Commercial Orchard. The remaining area includes the wetland, fruit and nut arboretum, Yarra River and surroundings. The heritage collection grows, displays and distributes more than 200 different types of old and rare apples.

Address: Homestead Rd, Templestowe, 3106 Victoria, Australia. Melway 22 A11

Visit Yarra Organics @ Petty's Orchard
Organic Shop and Cafe
open Fridays and Saturdays 9am - 5:30pm
and Sundays 10am - 4:30pm.

I love the history and the surrounds, but most of all I love the delicious sweet treats on offer.

This is a really cute little mini designed by Jen Daly of Jen Daly Quilts and shared at the fabulous Moda Bakeshop.  

Please follow this LINK to the pattern and a great tutorial.  Many thanks to Jen and everyone at Moda

Have a wonderful weekend.  Hope to see you Monday.

Love