Bathurst turns on spring garden spectacular

Bathurst is marking its 200th anniversary with a big garden show.

Eurarra, part of the Bathurst Spring Spectacular.

Bathurst Spring Spectacular, next weekend October 31-November 1, 9.30am-5pm, $20 for 11 gardens, children free. bathurstspringspectacular.com

Sarah Ryan, owner Hillandale garden

DESCRIBE THE EVENT: It’s an annual event run by members of the Bathurst Garden Club, showcasing some of our loveliest gardens. This year Bathurst is celebrating 200 years — it was Australia’s first inland settlement — so the theme is heritage homes and gardens. The 11 open gardens range from small cottages to grand mansions and everything between, including farm homesteads and an old inn.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL:The beautiful gardens, of course, but also the wonderful community spirit. All the locals come out and it’s really a social weekend, running into people you haven’t seen since last year’s event, but we also hope to attract lots of visitors from outside the area, to see what’s on offer. There’s a small, dedicated group of volunteers who do an amazing job of organising the event, which has raised a lot of money for local charities over the years. This year the major recipient is Daffodil Cottage (a cancer care service).

HIGHLIGHTS: This year the highlight for me is the combination of beautiful gardens set against the backdrop of incredible heritage homes. The out-of-town gardens feature glorious views as well, as many of the homesteads are built on hills. Being heritage gardens, this year there are many magnificent old trees and shrubs.

WHAT’S IN FLOWER: Azaleas, rhododendrons, bluebells, clematis, lilac, irises, granny’s bonnets and old-fashioned spring-flowering shrubs such as may bush. Some early perennials are starting such as lupins, geraniums, penstemons and catmint. The roses in my garden are already budding so I think they will be out too.

FAVOURITE PART: I just love the way everyone gets together to raise money and make it a success. The garden owners put in so much work and effort; they really pull out all stops. Some of them are opening their gardens for only this one event.

EXTRAS: Most of the gardens have morning and afternoon teas, run by local charities such as Lions and the Red Cross. About half also offer light lunches. You get a map with your ticket (available at Bathurst Information Centre and all gardens) that shows all the gardens and where the facilities are. Millthorpe, about a half-hour from Bathurst, presents its Millthorpe Garden Ramble the same weekend, October 31-November 1; $20 for 10 gardens, 10am-4pm. Details at millthorpevillage.com.au/events-venues.