What a wonderful way to usher in Spring than wandering around the Buddhist Garden Retreat last weekend, organised by the Galston Garden Club. There were thousands of visitors from all around the Sydney area over the two days and there was so much to see from the formally clipped azaleas, the many flowering camellias, blossoms, the large selection of Bonsai and fruit trees, as well as an opportunity to take in the beautiful temple. Many then went on to see Elegans and Birchgrove two of our members’ gardens also open on the weekend.
If you missed last weekend then book into your diary our annual Galston Open Gardens weekend on the 14th, 15th and 16th October 9.30am-4.30pm featuring 8 formal and informal gardens. If Australian natives, ponds and waterfalls with a bush setting inspire you then pop into 75 Cobah Rd Arcadia then follow this up by visiting 2 Marrakesh Pl Arcadia while in the vicinity. This is an informal rustic garden with waterlilies in the large dam and an enclosed productive garden, which will be of interest to food growers. Now head up to Glenorie to 43 Moores Rd where you will find a more formal garden with stone walled beds and hedges with a wide range of shrubs and ground covers. Pop next door to Alpine Tree Removals Nursery and be amazed by an aspect of the Nursery industry most never see – well worth the visit to see how established trees are rescued and rehomed in other gardens. Rounding up our gardens is 3170 Old Northern Rd Glenorie; this garden is maintained without access to town water. Divided into distinct garden rooms there are many interesting trees, shrubs and bulbs. Check out last month’s article on the other four gardens, pick up a brochure or visit our website for more information. An inclusive ticket for $20pp gives entrance to all the gardens over the 3 days or a single entrance $5 ticket can be purchased at each of the gardens. Children under 18 are free. We are always appreciative to the garden owners of these private gardens who generously open their gardens over this weekend. All monies raised goes to a number of charities that we support.
Our guest speaker this month was the very lively, informative and funny Paul Kirkpatrick who gave a history lesson on “Le Potager” where he showed us how a productive garden can be edible, practical and beautiful at the same time. He took us on a history journey through France and the development of La Potager which he described as “Edible Art”. From its romantic beginnings of planting flowering plants with vegetables to the rules and formality of the Versailles garden and onto the greatest La Potager garden Chateau Villandry in the Loire Valley. Garden Club meets on the 2nd Weds of the month at the Galston Community Centre 37 Arcadia Rd., Galston 8.00pm, new members are warmly welcomed. For other information, visit our website: www.galstongardenclub.com.au
