Gardening Tips and a warm welcome are at the heart of the Dural and Hills District Garden Club, a long-running community group that gathers on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Middle Dural Fire Station on Mid Dural Road.
Founded on the motto “Friendship through Gardening”, the club has become a dependable hub for local green thumbs, offering a space where gardeners can share knowledge, build friendships, and dive into the endless possibilities of cultivating a thriving garden. Each meeting features a guest speaker, with experts covering a diverse range of horticultural interests.
This year’s lineup has been impressive, drawing well-known figures from the gardening world. Guest presenters have included nursery veteran Elizabeth Swane, camellia specialist Helen Wallis with insights from historic Eryldene, historian and broadcaster Judy Horton, tool expert Tony from Cut Above Tools, native plant enthusiast Mark Massey, and bromeliad grower Anna Ernst.
Beyond monthly meetings, members have enjoyed hands-on learning through club outings. Recent excursions have included the Hornsby Council nursery at Pennant Hills, Eryldene in Gordon, Camellias Rus in Glenorie, and the Cumberland State Forest nursery. Informal Rambles—morning tea visits in members’ own gardens—remain a favourite tradition, offering inspiration and connection in relaxed, local settings.
The October meeting took place at the Galston Seventh-day Adventist Hall, where members were treated to a light meal and an opportunity to catch up before the busy spring gardening season.
Looking ahead, the program continues to bloom. David Furth will present on African violets at an upcoming meeting, followed in November by Karen Czarneck, who will demonstrate how to create floral wreaths using bromeliads. The year will wrap up with the club’s much-loved Christmas celebration, hosted at a member’s property in early December.
New faces are always welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious, the Dural and Hills District Garden Club offers inspiration, education and a friendly community. For enquiries, contact Social Secretary Gale Blakey on 0416 299 200.
