Galston Community Hall was awash with colour as members arrived for our September meeting. There were flowering pots & vases of flowers spread throughout the room as we entered, from the last of the camellias gracing the length of the Executive table, the flowering plants that would be raffled that night, the successes of members plants for “Show and Tell” to the rows and rows of potted perennials brought in by our guest speaker Jeremy Critchley of the Green Gallery Nursery, Quarry Rd., Dural. Jeremy spoke with passion of his love of producing premium potted flowering perennials and the love he has for his nursery which he started 10 years ago. The nursery grew from a germ of an idea at the back of an Italian gardener’s piece of land to the thriving and viable business it is today. Jeremy is determined to bring best business practice to his nursery using organic and environmental principals in his quest to provide a plant that is strong, healthy and thriving. To this end he travels to Europe to find the latest colours as well as the newest varieties of old favourites. Club members eagerly snapped up the potted colour he had brought along as many were not yet released for sale….and we all know how gardeners love to have something new or unique in their garden, even if it is just a new colour release.
With our Open Gardens Weekend on 20th-22nd October drawing ever closer, gardens are being prepared, signs are going up and advertising brochures are being distributed far and wide. As our major fundraiser for the year, with all profits going to the charities that have been selected by the garden owners and the committee. This month we look at another four of our 8 beautiful gardens, again bursting with ideas that will inspire us in our own gardens, big and small. So walking shoes back on, cameras at the ready let’s start at Derriwong Rd., Dural’s “Red Creek” which has the magnificent 30 metre Blue Gums growing round the red creek which is coloured by natural iron deposits. The creek is bordered by shade loving plants with bridges and pathways giving a relaxing rainforest effect. Then trek on down to “Pukekura Park” on Galston Rd this is one of the gardens you can spy from the road and are intrigued to see more. Open for the first time this is an old established garden in an English style at the front and the rear is Japanese inspired with interconnected koi ponds. Not far away is “Kailynd” in Cotswold Rd Dural which you approach up the long tree lined driveway, opening up to the beautifully landscaped lake with extensive plantings and a new fountain. The formal parterre garden will delight those who love formality in the garden. Finally make your way to “Elegans” Fishburns Rd Galston which is many a gardener’s favourite. This collector’s garden is home to a huge range of plants, for those who have been before there is a new Chinese style pavilion and garden, and, as all gardens do, it continues to evolve every year. Here you can enjoy morning and afternoon tea, the plant stall as well as books, preserves and jams for sale made by many of the local community. The gardens are open from 9.30-4.30 tickets are $20 which gives entrance to all gardens, or $5 per garden, children under 18 free. For enquiries: Bill Fleming 9653 2394, check our website or email: [email protected]
Garden Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Galston Community Centre 37 Arcadia Rd., Galston 8.00pm, new members and visitors are warmly welcomed. For other information, visit our website: www.galstongardenclub.com.au
