The Machattie Park attraction, along with the fernery, has been closed for around 12 months due to the pandemic.

With an easing of restrictions, Bathurst Regional Council was able to reopen both attractions this month.

Council's recreation manager, Mark Kimbel, said there are 300 begonias on display, with up to 70 varieties of varying forms and flower colour.

"The display in the Begonia House is labour intensive but council's horticultural staff enjoy and take pride in preparing the displays each year," he said.

"The begonias have a seven-month growing season, growing from a tuber. They are then brought out of dormancy in October. The plants are re-potted twice during the growing season, with the final repotting into the display sized pots.

"As the begonias flower they are fixed to stakes, smaller side buds are removed with the focus on the main centre bud. The flowers are propped up so they face the public for viewing.

"Throughout the season there is ongoing pest and disease control as well as fertiliser programs undertaken."

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Typically, Begonia House is open from mid-February to the end of April, meaning it has been closed for much of the last two seasons.

Mr Kimbel said members of the public were "very understanding" of the decision to close it and the fernery during the height of the pandemic.

Council doesn't need to impose safety measures now that restrictions have eased, but people are asked to maintain social distance while inside.

It's unknown when Begonia House will close for the season, with council aiming to keep it open for as long as possible.

"The Begonia House closes once the displays deteriorate to a level that is undesirable for public viewing," Mr Kimbel said.

"The deterioration is dependent upon changes to temperature, as winter approaches. In most seasons, the displays can last up until at least the end of April.

"Council's horticultural staff will monitor the display and will made a decision on the exact closing date based on the quality of the display at the time."

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