Seven of the best Macleay gardens on display

It costs $5 to enter one garden and $25 for all seven, with the proceeds donated to PCYC Kempsey, the Kempsey Hospital Auxillary and F.A.W.N.A.

Organiser Mary Sweeney encourages everyone to visit the beautiful local gardens.

“They are all local gardens and are hidden gems,” Ms Sweeney said.

“They are a good variety and each one will leave your breathless.”

Lorraine’s garden is located at 14 Lord St and surrounds an extended Victorian home on a double block. The beautiful garden is framed by a collection of conifers and other trees sympathetic to the period fo the house. Rose gardens and stunning views across the river are a feature.

Crilley’s garden is located at 72 Griffins Lane and is a two acre subtropical, Balinese influence garden. The garden features collections of Bonsai and Orchids and a Japanse Garden. There is a productive vegie patch, citrus trees and extensive views to Glenrock to the east and the Great Dividing Range to the west.

Ted and Margaret’s garden is located on 2 Hillview Drive and has water features and old farm implements, which are integrated with many varieties of bromeliads and tropical plans in this mature, on acre garden. A gift of three bromeliads 18-years-ago has grown to a vast collection of broms, including over 100 varietires of miniatures. 

Shirley’s garden at 17 Macquarie St has a spectacular 35-year-old Poinciana Tree and a 25-year-old Golden Rain Tree which form the frame of work of her garden. It creates beautiful share and is surrounded by interesting plantings mixed with many garden ornaments and family treasures.

Sweeney’s garden, located at 418 Pipers Creek Rd, is a secluded cottage garden surrounded by native forest. Collections of Salvias and other herbaceous perennials, potted succulents, bulbs and unusual shrubs provided a year round supply of floral material. Handmade art, a covered vegetable garden, chook yard and orchard complete this peaceful garden reflecting the passion of the owners.

Kim’s garden at 33 Mollies Way is a large, eclectic garden, which is 12-years-old, with a variety of native and exotic trees and shrubs providing habitat for wildlife and year round colour in foliage and flowers. Feature trees include kurrajongs, native conifers and exotic deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sun.

Tuck’s garden is located at 38 Mollies Way and it is an immaculate garden with many large beds and screen plantings of mixed shrubs where you will discover extensive, naturalistic aviaries breeding finches and other small birds, a reed bed sewage management system and a variety of hard landscaping projects to inspire you.

Kempsey Shire Council and Coastline Credit Union have sponsored the event.

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