Mejuluelda - An Enchanting Destination to Celebrate Love

In 1973, Michael and Sue acquired a remarkable 40-acre property, passed down to Michael by his father Francis (Frank) Valentine and Mollie Schmich. This land was originally part of the expansive 120-acre "Fairview" situated between Radnedges and Underwood Lanes, now famously known as Hillside Orchard. During the 1930s, Michael's father Frank and his uncles Bill and Don Schmich, who were all veterans, established a thriving orchard that employed numerous local young men during their university summer breaks. The orchard flourished with a diverse range of fruits, including spring cherries, various stone fruits during summer, and an abundant apple and pear harvest in autumn. After a fulfilling life running the orchard, Frank and Mollie retired to Orange in 1976.

Building upon their family's legacy, Michael and Sue nurtured the orchard on their 40 acres, which they fondly named Mejuluelda after the first two initials of each of their five daughters. For several decades, they cultivated both stone fruits and pome fruits until the early 2000s. Eventually, they made the decision to sell a portion of their property, while dedicating themselves to their passion for gardening and maintaining the property's magnificent large dam for shared water supply.

Every ornamental tree gracing the property, dating back to 1973 and up until 2020, was meticulously planted by Michael and Sue. They would embark on trips to Thompsons nursery in Nashdale, where they acquired these splendid trees. During their visits, Sue would gather valuable gardening knowledge, often engaging with Mrs. Thompson senior, who shared her wisdom and expertise on selecting the perfect tree or Camellia shrub.

Upon acquiring the property, Michael and Sue found it adorned with majestic gum trees, some of which still stand tall today, while others were respectfully cleared for various reasons.