Five private gardens were opened to the public on April 21 and 22.

Garden lovers were invited to explore Prittlewell in Fitzroy Falls, Robertson Park in Glenquarry, and Bowral’s Bellagio, Wilderwood, and Heidi’s Garden. 

A Plant Fair was held at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens (SHBG) where over 5000 plants from 500 species were available for purchase.

Plant Fair coordinator Dianne Grant said she was thrilled with the enthusiasm of the 90 SHBG volunteers.

Although Ms Grant said the number of attendees had decreased over the last two years, she was pleased with the sunny weather and said Saturday still remained a very busy day.

“On Saturday, we had 50 people lining up outside the gardens before they had even opened. It was like a David Jones sale,” Ms Grant said.

“We were visited by hundreds of keen collectors who were after rare and specific plants, as well as good-quality plants that will grow well in the Highlands.”

Ms Grant said the drought was the prime reason behind the lower turnout, but many Highlanders remained keen to explore the variety of plants.

“The Highlands has a good climate. It enables you to grow exotic things you can’t grow in other parts of Australia,” Ms Grant said.

All funds raised from the weekend will go directly to the SHBG to contribute towards the costs of maintaining the gardens as well as purchasing infrastructure and tables to be able to sell plants on a regular basis.