THERE are many ways to create a beautiful garden in winter, not least of which is to work with the structure of trees.
This is advice from members of Highlands Garden Society Bowral Incorporated for anyone keen to get the most out of their garden during the colder winter months.
In fact the society offers a wealth of information on how to make the most of your Highlands garden all year round.
It is not surprising considering the organisation has been bringing together people with the common love of gardening for almost 40 years.
It started as the Bowral Garden Club in 1963 with about 30 members, and while that group still exists a breakaway organisation, first known as the Home Garden Group in and then the Highlands Garden Society, was formed in 1976 with a starting membership of eight people.
These days the society boasts a membership of about 500 people, all keen gardeners eager to learn more, share ideas and make new friends with people with similar interests.
The group, which is affiliated with Garden Clubs of Australia, is one of the largest organisations of its type in Australia.
The ever-increasing membership numbers are enticed by a range of opportunities and information on offer through the Highlands Garden Society.
Tours of gardens locally, throughout Australia and overseas, and regular workshops are among the many activities on offer through the society.
However, it is apparent from many of the members that the opportunity to establish friendships with people with similar interests and the shared gardening knowledge among members is integral to the success of the Highlands organisation.
The society’s tour co-ordinator Ray Bradley said he was surprised at how much he had learnt about gardens and gardening during his four years with the group.
“I moved to the Highlands from a hot, dry climate near Dubbo. I tend to find the Highlands an easier gardening climate once you get the right plants,” he said.
“I love the opportunity to look at other people’s gardens through the Friendship Gardens program and regular tours organised through the society.
“We have several tours planned for this year including a trip to Bungendore, eight days in Victoria, a day at Penrith and Camden, and three days looking at gardens on the South Coast.
“A 16 day tour of the South Island of New Zealand is also planned for early next year.”
Promotions co-ordinator Penny McKenna said the society gave her gardening confidence and encouragement when she moved from the Northern Beaches to Moss Vale.
“I’m working with a totally different climate, conditions and challenges in the Highlands - the society opened my eyes to what could be achieved in this area,” she said. “Everyone in the Highlands Garden Society is so generous and supportive, I have learnt so much especially about such plants as fuchsias and I am delighted to be able to take part in the floral art workshops.”
Society president Graeme Whisker said a trading table, seed bank, regular news bulletins and an impressive library of gardening books and videos were some of the many other things on offer to Highlands Garden Society members.
“The society is led by a committee of 10 dedicated volunteers, but the input of every member is valued and welcome,” he said.
“In fact new members are always welcome with newcomers able to join instantly and immediately enjoy the many opportunities of the society.”
THE Highlands Garden Society meets at the Uniting Church Hall, Bowral, from 7.30pm on the third Friday of each month.
A Friendship Garden visit to a Highlands property is conducted the following day.
Floral art workshops are led by society member Judy Keast at her home on the second Wednesday of each month.
The workshop is open to all members and focuses on floral arrangements and design.
Various other workshops covering topics such as maples and their management, pots and potting, camellias and hydrangeas and grasses are planned throughout the year.
A winter seminar with a horticultural focus, open to the public, is planned for July 17.
The various events and activities are open to all society members and new members are always welcome.
Details and membership: www.highlandsgardensociety.org.au .
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