AFTER sowing, growing and mowing their gardens into perfect form, Bathurst’s brightest green thumbs will open their gates to the public this weekend.
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The annual Bathurst Spring Spectacular kicks off today. With sun expected all weekend, organisers are hopeful crowds will flock to see the city’s most exquisite floral displays.
Eleven gardens in Bathurst and its surrounds are involved.
Spencer Harvey from the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club anticipates the historic Miss Traill’s House and Garden will be a focal point.
“One of the highlights of the weekend will be Miss Traill’s House and Garden, particularly with the monster plant stall,” Mr Harvey said. “There will be pails and pails and pails of plants for sale, from succulents and ground cover to shrubs and irises – if you want a plant, we’ll have it.”
Other gardens include Blair Athol, Blue Ridge, Peterson’s, Hillandale, Kurrawong Park, Le Jardin, Limberlost, Mount Tamar, Tranquility and Wentworth.
A co-operative endeavour by the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club, Miss Traill’s and the Holy Trinity Evening Group, the garden spectacular has been running for the past 20 years.
All funds raised through ticket sales will be donated to local community organisations.
“We’re hoping to make at least $15,000 so we can give to our favourite charities: Can Assist, the Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service and Mitchell Conservatorium,” Mr Harvey said.
“In excess of 100 volunteers will be present at the gardens over the weekend, so it’s a big community effort.”
The Holy Trinity Church catering committee will provide food and refreshments at Miss Traill’s House across the weekend.
Mr Harvey said several tour groups would converge on Bathurst for the event from as far as Shepparton, Victoria. Garden clubs from Nyngan, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Bilpin and the Blue Mountains will also attend.
Gardens will be open from 9.30am to 5pm today and tomorrow. Tickets cost $15.
The open gardens include:
Blair Athol: 281 Keppel Street, Bathurst
Blue Ridge: 35 Blue Ridge Drive, White Rock
Peterson’s: 44 Claremont Drive, White Rock
Hillandale: 287 Eusdale Road, Yetholme
Kurrawong Park: 61 Sunny Corner Road, Kirkconnell
Le Jardin: 2 Opal Circuit, Kelso
Limberlost: 57 Sunny Corner Road, Kirkconnell
Miss Traill’s House: 321 Russell Street, Bathurst
Mount Tamar: 284 Gormans Hill Road, Bathurst
Tranquility: 16 Station Street, Locksley
Wentworth: 251 Hartwood Avenue, Robin Hill
