Extreme water restrictions will not dampen the spirits of the upcoming Spring Spectacular, with the Bathurst Gardeners' Club promising a fantastic event.
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Scheduled for Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, the Spring Spectacular will see 10 of the region's picturesque gardens on display to the general public.
The event is due to take place less than two weeks after Level 4-5 [extreme] water restrictions are scheduled to come into force in the Bathurst region.
But Spring Spectacular committee member Peter Varman said the restrictions will not impact the quality of the gardens on show throughout the event.
"We've been granted exemptions from the restrictions until the Spring Spectacular concludes but after that, we have to be very careful with our water," Mr Varman said.
"The gardens are smaller in size this year, but the beauty of this event is it allows members of the community to gain advice from the region's gardening experts."
While the event is safe for this year, Mr Varman admits there could be a hard road ahead if Bathurst's water situation fails to improve into the new year.
"A lot of people in the community don't realise how bad Bathurst's water situation really is," he said.
"If we don't receive adequate rainfall in the next 12 months, you won't see too many lawns or gardens unless smarter water strategies are implemented."
In light of the forthcoming restrictions, Mr Varman has devised a series of strategies to ensure residents get the most out of their limited water allocation in the garden.
The strategies range from the use of buckets to collect grey water from showers and washing machines to the installation of reusable plastic containers in garden beds to directly feed plant roots.
"There's a fair bit of work involved in keeping plants alive during drought conditions, but the effort prevents the cost of replacing them when they die," he said.
"It's also important to use a soil wetting agent to aid water retention, as well as seaweed extract to stimulate plant growth."
The theme for this year's Spring Spectacular is 'Tune Up Your Senses,' and Mr Varman said each garden will include live music.
"Gardens provide such a peaceful environment and the music will enhance the atmosphere of each location," he said.
The Spring Spectacular recently received $500 from Bathurst Regional Council's Section 356 donation scheme, which will assist in marketing for the event.
Mr Varman said the revenue from ticket sales each year is donated to a host of local charities.
"We raised $19,000 last year for organisations such as headspace and Lifeline Central West," he said.
"The event brings plenty of tourists to town, and we're appreciative of all the gardeners who put a lot of time and effort into their plants."
Tickets cost $25 [$20 for seniors] and are available from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.
For pricing and garden information, visit bathurstgardenclub.org.au.