AS dawn broke on the morning of Lake Macquarie Garden Club’s first ever open gardens and arts trail, president Lynne Turner was anxious.
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“What if nobody came? And if they did come, what would people think of the gardens?” she asked herself.
She needn’t have worried.
An estimated 1000 people filed through the 10 gardens of local club members who threw open their gates for the weekend event. “Early starters were there at the gardens raring to go at 9.45am, and there were queues at a few sites,” Ms Turner said.
The 10 gardens on the trail were spread from Bolton Point and Fassifern to Coal Point, Carey Bay, Toronto and Arcadia Vale.
“Cameras were out in force to capture the garden ideas and the beauty of spring, and the garden owners generously shared their passion for gardening with their visitors.”
Visitors were keen to learn from the hosts.
“Questions were being fired from all directions about particular plants, fertilisers used, weed control, design, watering, and even climate change,” she said.
The event raised $21,000 for the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
“It looks like becoming an annual event because of the interest shown and the number of offers from others happy to share their gardens with other like-minded gardeners,” Ms Tuner said.
