Orange open gardens — rain, hail, or shine!

Orange Open Gardens is going ahead this Saturday — rain, hail or shine! 

First full event since the long-ago drought years, organisers believe that, this time, their luck has turned.

“We held our last ones in 2018–2019, and they went very well,” publicity officer, Sophie Durham said.

“But we missed 2020 with the pandemic; and we only had a little pop-up in November last year,” she explained.

She said that, with rain forecast almost every day in recent weeks, the Committee, are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

“Yes, we are, very much so. We do have a backup date a couple of weeks later, but that shouldn’t be necessary.

“With these gardens we’ve chosen, we’re pretty hopeful that we’ll get it out of the way… if the rain isn’t terrible, we’ll push on,” she added.

Major annual fundraiser for Orange Public, Sophie believes that the supportive school community will ensure the day is a roaring success.

“We are pre-selling, but we find that most people just turn up; we know that our audience come on the day,” Sophie said.

“On our Facebook page, we’ve had over 750 people interested, so that’s definitely a good sign, we think,” she added.

The event features five lushly verdant local gardens, very different from the last full event for the School after three dry years.

“We’ve got a mix of smaller and larger gardens and we’re ready to see the gardens so green after all the drought years.

“One of the gardens we also had in 2019, were trucking in water just to keep the grass and everything alive; it was the complete opposite of three years ago.”

As well as five beautiful local gardens on display, the kids and parents are also getting involved in a big way, from music to food to garden sales.

“This will be the first full year that we’ve involved the school community; we’re very excited that we have so many events that we haven’t been able to hold before.

“There’ll be musical activities, to plants, to cake stalls, with performances from the choir, and a string and flute ensemble.”

With people in lockdown for the past few years looking to the soothing effects of our gardens for solace, the event is well-timed, Sophie believes.

“Our core driver is to give you a look behind the gardens of Orange.

“It’s also for people who may be looking at establishing gardens themselves… it’s just an enjoyable day out and a chance to interact for children and families.”

Sponsored by McGrath Orange, this year’s event will see five gardens open to the public on Saturday, October 29 from 9–4pm. 

“We look forward to welcoming the public to Orange Public school infants’ campus on the corner of Torpy and Anson Streets from 8am to start their day with a bacon and egg roll and grab their tickets and maps,” Lindy Kay — who founded the event with hubby and fellow Orange Public School teacher, Tony — enthused. 

She pointed out that people do not have to be gardeners themselves to come along and enjoy some wonderful local grounds. 

“Anyone looking for some relaxing time-out is welcome. The five gardens this year, are just amazing and, after all we’ve been through, it’s a chance to simply stop and literally smell the roses,” Lindy concluded.

Tickets are $20 with children under 16 years free. For tickets and more information, go to: www.orangeopengardens.org.au