Two gardens featured in open gardens scheme

Two gardeners living on the Peninsula have had their gardens selected as part of the Gosford District Open Gardens scheme.

The gardens of Ms Alva Bell of Umina and Ms Gaby Porter of Pearl Beach are among 10 gardens across the region to be open to the public over the weekend of September 28 and 29.

The scheme is being run by a committee of nine gardeners who approached Central Coast Council for sponsorship.

Committee president Ms Dot Kite said residents were encouraged to visit their local gardens on the day.

"Visitors can gather ideas to take home and incorporate into their own gardens or simply to visit and be amazed at the diversity and flair evident in the gardens on show.

"The garden owners will be in attendance to give firsthand information on growing the plants that are to be seen in their gardens and to answer any garden related questions that foster the love of gardening," she said.

Ms Kite said each garden was unique with no two being the same in size, scope or planting.

Ms Kite said Ms Bell's garden featured vivid colours and old world charm.

"Alva has garden beds filled with annuals, perennials, topiary shrubs and climbers together with a pergola housing an array of pots filled with ferns, giant anthuriums and begonias.

"This garden is lovingly manicured and Alva has won numerous garden competitions over the past 30 years."

Ms Kite said Ms Porter's garden was a bush garden which is used to display her sculptures.

"Gaby is a renowned sculptress who relates her art to nature, and trails through her garden reveal her outstanding works of art."

A comprehensive guide to each featured garden is available on the Gosford Open Gardens website, Council information centres, libraries and selected nurseries around the Coast.

This event will support the Elsie's Retreat charity.

SOURCE:

Media release, 25 Aug 2019

Dot Kite, Gosford District Open Gardens