After consultation with the gardeners who were to host the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee Show it has been agreed that a deferral to Autumn 2022 would not be the best way to show these gardens.
So, the 2021 Show has been cancelled. The 2022 Show will run in Spring in October on dates to be announced.
Videos of all Gardens are posted in the next news post on this site to show you what will be on show in 2022. Come back often.
The Rotary Club of Mudgee organising group for the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee has been monitoring the continuing Covid-19 situation and lockdowns in NSW, including the restrictions and safety requirements for protection of both the public and of our volunteers who make this event happen.
Our wonderful volunteer gardeners whose gardens you see on this site work towards a date to ensure their gardens are showing at their best. They will be accelerating their efforts from this point so a decision on the future of the 2021 Show is required now. We have unfortunately reached the conclusion that we cannot run an event under the probable conditions which will apply on the 16/17th October. We would like to ensure we have an environment which will be satisfactory for our visitors, and safe for our gardeners and the many volunteers who support this Show.
The 2021 Gardens of Mudgee is therefore deferred from the current date of October 16/17th October 2021. An announcement on the date of the next Show in 2022 will be made within two to three weeks on this site and on our Facebook page so plan to visit again early October.
Our apologies to all of you who were looking forward to this event on the planned date. For those who have purchased tickets, arrangements will be made for refund asap.
It is difficult at this time to be able to determine whether the 2021 Gardens of Mudgee will be able to exhibit for everyone due to the uncertainty with Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns
We continue to believe we will be able to organise a Covid Safe event for 16-17 October subject to limitations at that time. The organising Committee from the Rotary Club of Mudgee is continuing with planning associated with the event, including meeting the additional requirements to make this a Covid Safe event.
So, as at this point the event is proceeding and will be on on the planned dates.
Obviously, this can be subject to review dependent on the development of the pandemic in NSW and our region over the next two months. Come back to this site or visit our Facebook page for updates as the event gets closer. For those who have purchased or will purchase tickets for the event, be assured that, in the event that there is a cancellation these will be refundable.
Stay safe everyone!
In 2021, Gardens of Mudgee will be showing six gardens, five from the cancelled 2020 Show and one new garden. All are gardens not previously seen in the Gardens of Mudgee show.
The Mudgee climate is well known for its challenges. Six gardens whose owners have learnt to deal with those difficulties and create gardens of beauty and durability will be open for inspection during the 2021 Rotary Gardens of Mudgee on the weekend of 16th and 17th of October, 2021.
The Kemptons’ garden on the slopes of Mt Frome has views north to the Buckaroo hills and is set amongst native trees. Wander around a series of graceful garden plots containing a variety of plants chosen to withstand the vagaries of Mudgee’s climate, and enjoy the charming pool adorned by irises and bulrushes. In sheltered spots around the house you’ll find more tender plants such as orchids, and examples of Trishs’ creativity. Make sure to check out stunning district views from the top of the drive.
Tall Eucalpyts create islands of shade.
John and Wendy Reeves’ garden began in a paddock four years ago and has been created with the intention of following the natural lie of the land. They have kept most of the original eucalyptus trees which provide shade and shelter to the property and created gardens around many of them. A wide expanse of lawn is divided almost in half by a creek whose banks are clothed in yellow gazanias.
Many of the trees have seats installed under them so make sure you take some time to sit and enjoy the Spring sunshine glancing through those wonderful eucalypts.
‘Wisteria Ridge’ the home of Col and Val Stubbs, is a beautiful haven with glorious views over the Cudgegong Valley. The garden was formed from a rocky site eighteen years ago by the addition of tonnes of imported topsoil. The many native shrubs and trees are home to a number of species of birds, and careful planting over a long period of time has resulted in a garden of great interest.
Throughout the garden are scattered Col’s marvellous quirky sculptures fashioned from found farm objects. They add a special touch to this spectacular, much loved garden.
When the Bowmans purchased their property ‘Bowfield’ five years ago, there was a small number of established trees around the original nineteenth century buildings but no garden. A spectacular garden has been accomplished in a short space of time by using tonnes of compost and a great deal of mulch spread on top of the rocky site.
The garden has been planned with tree plantings and hedges to provide shelter from the western sun and prevailing wind and there has been an emphasis on the addition of hardy Mediterranean style shrubs. Taller plants within the garden beds create spaces for roses or other plants that might need some protection.
There is so much to see in this garden you might need some extra time!
A traditional homestead garden.
Steph and Rick Gordon’s 1920s house at ‘Wilgowrah’ is surrounded by a homestead garden which has been many years in the making as its mature trees indicate. A ramble along the old paths reveals borders bursting with perennials and bulbs, accompanied by a variety of mature roses.
Follow the paths around to the north side of the house to discover an open grassy area full of sunshine, boasting views of farmland and planted with stands of silver elegant birches.
You’ll be amazed at the single Virginia creeper which grows along two sides of the house, providing summer shade.
Unifying vision and thoughtful plant selection make a garden to enjoy.
Sue and Col Briety have spent 9 years developing their gardening vision and refining their plant selection to best suit Mudgee’s climate. Meandering pathways lead through an interesting selection of medium-sized trees. These relatively sheltered areas are focal points for romantic “edge of woodland” style plantings of flowering perennials like aquilegia, spring bulbs, hellebores, ajuga and primroses. Elsewhere there’s a great variety of native and exotic perennials. Look out for the well-chosen “Anzac Corner” with its luscious red “Gallipoli” shrub rose and grevillea “Spirit of Anzac”. In other areas, dazzling displays of vibrant colour will catch your eye and make you smile.
More details can be found here.
The Rotary Club of Mudgee has identified a wonderful group of new gardens for the 2020 Mudgee Rotary Garden Spectacular.
We thank the gardeners for volunteering their time and energy. This contribution will allow many people to enjoy their gardens in October, and at the same time, assist Rotary in raising funds to put back into our community.
Sadly, as everyone now knows, the world now revolves around the progress of a dastardly virus…and this has significant implications for this event.
The Garden Spectacular is scheduled for October, almost 6 months away, so with such an extended time buffer, at this stage the Club is still aiming to go ahead with the event as originally planned.
Clearly, we can’t commence our usual promotional program at this time as the preparation of materials for our websites and for brochures would contravene the current isolation requirements.
The double frustration is that the weather appears to have turned, setting the scene for a brilliant spring. Our Club hopes we can capitalize on it.
If you are waiting for information on this event we ask that you please be patient while we await developments and adjust to the new circumstances. As mentioned, we are trying hard to still have a Garden Show and will keep you informed of progress via this website and the Facebook Rotary Club of Mudgee site.
The second Mudgee Garden Spectacular organised by the Rotary Club of Mudgee was well received with around 700 visitors over the two days. Great support was received from garden owners, garden speakers, local sponsors and the CWA caterers at Milroy as well as willing volunteer help from Rotary members, partners and other volunteers.
The event will run again in 2020 on Saturday / Sunday 17th and 18th of October 2020. There will be a completely new set of Mudgee gardens on display in 2020 so put the event in your calendar now.
More information will be posted on this site as the event develops this year.
Mudgee’s gardeners have achieved the impossible, nurturing their gardens through drought and frost. Here’s what I saw when I visited the gardens recently.
Gem Manor’s poplars are coming into leaf. Weeping cherries smothered with white blossom gracefully frame views across the lake to the hills beyond. Spicy fragrance of stocks and lavenders fills the air. There’s a promise of lovely irises to come. Hundreds of rose bushes are clad with healthy new leaves, first flower buds soon to follow.
At the Community Garden, fruit tree flowering has commenced, led by the espaliered quince, already beautiful. The berries are back and the entire garden has a scattering of colourful flowering annuals. Bees enjoy winter veggies left to seed. Spring and summer crops are in and greenhouse microgreens will be producing soon. The water-saving wicking bed will be given an overhaul on the 19th-20th so visitors can get a good look at how they’re constructed.
Milroy is alive with bright spring bulbs. Azaleas and camellias are magnificent. Hellebores are everywhere. Irises (Dutch and bearded) are beginning. Cannas and hippeastrums, peonies and tree dahlias are making their move. Several varieties of fragrant viburnums are enchanting, as is the “bridal veil” broom. The fairy garden and charming statuary give a special touch to this farm garden.
The Charlesworths’ original crabapple tree is laden with deep pink blossom. The landmark lavender hedge is in full bud and the wisteria is coming out along the verandah. Scattered drifts of blue flowers link all areas of the garden- triteleias, bluebells, borage. Sweetly flowering cottage style perennials- petunias, alyssum, violas- provide charming focal points. The very old oak tree in the back garden is coming into leaf and will provide a shady oasis come open day.
Through the Windeyers’ front gate you’ll find a cottage garden with camellias, cherry blossom, hellebores, sparaxis and more in delightfully unruly profusion. Iris buds are full to bursting. Ajuga’s tiny cobalt blue flowers are sprinkled throughout. Gorgeous pale yellow banksia rose cascades over an archway. Naturalised blue-and-white violets peep up from the paving. The fragrant chocolate vine’s fragile blossoms are a rare treat. Deciduous trees have begun work on their leafy canopies which will transform this garden into a shady wonderland come October.
In the Boland garden, trees are in full command, from the geometric variegated cypress to the sensuous trailing tresses of the weeping willows. Planting several varieties of ornamental Pyrus (flowering pear), has achieved an extended flowering period of these beauties. The new foliage on the grove of Simonii poplars is lush with spring’s vitality, and forms a vibrant counterpoint to the nearby lake with its gravel pathway and garden seat the perfect spot for contemplation.
Inside the remarkable house of Gorah and Elly Singh Mann is a breathtaking display of art works- paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more, collected from 170 countries. A huge collection of Aboriginal Desert art has been acquired over 40 years, including significant works by Eddy Harris and other artists from Papunya, Broken Hill and the Central West. Blue Mountains artist David Hill’s colourful landscapes are well represented. There’s room after room filled with exotic lamps and glass sculptures, rich Chinese tapestries, ornaments and furnishings and ancient porcelain. This collection is a must-see for anyone with an interest in painting and the decorative arts.
Gorah and Elly have generously agreed to open this collection for viewing to visitors to this garden during the Mudgee Garden Spectacular. Complement your tour of the beautiful gardens at 39 Hill 60 Drive with this unique opportunity to view this collection.
Entry will be additional to the Garden Spectacular Ticket Fee and will be $5/person and additional funds raised will be donated to Mudgee community organisations.
Our activity preparing for the 2019 Garden Spectacular is now ramping up as the event draws closer. It is shaping up as even better than the inaugural event in 2018. With six new gardens as well as the opportunity to visit a rarely opened specialist art collection at the “Gem Manor” location this will be an event not to be missed by anyone with an interest in gardens or art. Or come along and enjoy a great lunch or morning tea provided by the CWA at the rural location at “Milroy”.
The Brochure for the next Mudgee Garden Spectacular is now available. An electronic copy can be downloaded from here or copies are available at many Mudgee businesses and also at Mudgee Tourism Office in Church Street, Mudgee.
Tickets are also now available for sale on-line for entry to all gardens on either the Saturday and/or Sunday of the event. Tickets can be purchased on-line form this link.
Thanks to support from the Mudgee and the wider regional community this inaugural event has been successful with around 700 visitors over the two days.
The event will run again in 2019 on Saturday / Sunday 19th and 20th of October 2019. There will be a different set of Mudgee gardens on display in 2019 so put the event in your calendar now.
Come back to this site for regular updates on the next event and we hope to see you there.