Kulnura: Paradise Gardens plans to host weddings, parties and events after coronavirus
Australia is poised for a wedding bonanza at the end of the coronavirus pandemic and one nursery hopes to open the gates to its sweeping, formal gardens when it does.
Central Coast
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There were 1109 weddings registered on the Central Coast last year - the coronavirus is expected to change all that.
The number of people tying the knot is expected to plummet in 2020 year in the wake of COVID-19 and the limitations placed on public gatherings, which has seen hundreds of couples postpone their vows indefinitely.
However when the social distancing restrictions are eventually eased, and if that coincides with the typical “wedding season” in spring, the Central Coast could expect an unprecedented outpouring of love.
Paradise Plants nursery, at Kulnura, has lodged a development application to open its gates for weddings, parties and corporate events.
General manager John Robb said the “Paradise” brand was created by Bob Cherry in the early 1970s, who went on to establish one of Australia’s largest nurseries, Paradise Plants, for 40 years.
The nursery is spread across two lots, including Mr Cherry’s former residence where he
established a world class private oasis - Paradise Gardens - which is home to many rare, unusual and beautiful plants collected from his travels around the world.
The nursery takes up about 90ha of the two sites while the private garden occupies about 20ha.
“He was one of the first modern day plant hunters,” Mr Robb said.
He said Mr Cherry would open his private garden to the public about twice a year and it would attract thousands of visitors.
Mr Robb said the feedback from visitors was almost always the same in that it was “hidden gem” and they should do more with it to open it up to the public.
Mr Robb said when Mr Cherry sold in 2012 and moved to Tasmania the new owner sought to make the gardens more accessible.
Under the plans, three picturesque locations within the formal gardens would be available for hire for events catering to up to 250 guests, 20 staff, two 300sq m marquees and 82 parking spots with overflow available.
Under the proposal, the temporary use of the land as a function centre would also provide a modest income that could be invested back into the better upkeep of the land, weeding and general aesthetics in keeping with its “rural character”.
Mr Robb said the events would help cover the cost of a full-time head gardener and a couple of casuals.
“It’s an amazing garden, it’s been (Mr Cherry’s) whole life’s work,” he said.
Meanwhile data from NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) reveals the number of weddings on the Central Coast has fallen over the past two years.
In 2018 there were 1254 nuptials registered on the coast compared to 1109 last year.
September, October and November remain the most popular months for marriages with about 140-170 couples tying the knot each month — the equivalent of about five a day.
There is also an annual spike in marriages in autumn with March and April also popular.
Before the limitations on public gatherings were introduced on March 22, there had been 102 ceremonies on the coast that month, well down on the 172 marriages in March of 2018 but on track for the 138 held in March last year.
The number of marriages on the coast this month and beyond are expected to plummet as couples postpone their big day until they can celebrate with friends and family.
According to the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages data, July is the least popular month to get married on the coast with just 42 weddings registered in July 2018 and 31 in July last year.