Around 350 Parkes locals took advantage of Sunday’s picture perfect weather to get out into the garden, and quite a few even got into other people’s gardens- with a ticketed wrist-band of course. The Parkes Open Gardens were a splendid way to spend a sunny Sunday, with several of the town’s most beautiful and most interesting gardens opening their gates to the general public.
For some visitors it was an opportunity to indulge their curiosity, for others it was an exercise in inspiration-seeking, and plenty of visitors simply went along to enjoy the spoils of their neighbours’ hard work. But it wasn’t just the blooms drawing a crowd. Devonshire teas kept the volunteers busy as visitors took the opportunity to enjoy the
sumptuous refreshments amidst the tranquil setting of Trelawney, a 1920’s homestead 12km out of town, that has been in the same family for generations. A craft and millinery stall had some fascinating items for sale.
Of course Elsie Mahon’s town cottage attracted a crowd, with many coming to admire her landscaping, and leaving with a hand-made sculpture, mosaic, or pottery work of art. The iris bulbs were a popular seller. Another favourite was the Blackstock’s labyrinthine garden that is as much a work of art as the many sculptures hidden within it. The succulent gardens proved to be a popular favourite among the visitors, but the creations made from recycled metals
were truly something to behold.
It was a splendidly successful day, despite most of the gardens being subject to significant hail damage in Friday’s storm. The Open Gardens was organised by the Parkes Quota ladies as a fundraising venture and they are hoping to have raised around $5,000 for charity. The lucky winner of Elsie McMahon’s Bird Bath raffle was George Ward from Alectown.