The achievements and seasonal appeal of a bygone era in the Southern Highlands will be revisited this spring.
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It is 60 years since Eugenie Lodge Gardens, now known as Beatrice Park, took out the coveted top honour for Best Open Garden in the Bowral Festival of Flowers competition once held in the Southern Highlands.
The prize went to property owner Mrs L E Whittle in the category of part-time gardener.
The competition coincided with the Tulip Time Festival.
According to a newspaper report regarding the competition the judges gave the property a glowing review saying that "the whole effect of this garden was beautiful."
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They made special mention of the white roses flanking the long drive to the house and the colourful display of spring flowers in raised beds. Current property co-owner Justin Hutchinson said those roses along the driveway were planted by renowned horticulturalist Claude Crowe who was also responsible for the rose display at Milton Park and the Old Parliament House.
Mention was also given to the plantings along the Kangaloon Road edge of the property which was described as "beautiful tulips mixed with other spring flower features."
Several other Highlands gardens also attracted high praise in the competition that year in various categories including Yarrabin which adjoins Beatrice Park on Kangaloon Road and Busker's End located in Myosotis Street, Bowral.
In fact gardens across the Highlands including Eastover on Merrigang Street, Bowral; Uplands and Winterslee in Links Road, Bowral; Rathane in Burradoo and more were well recognised for their appeal in that competition. Many continue to deliver a stunning showcase for their owners in the 21st century.
Eager to celebrate the 60th year since his property's success in the Festival of Flowers Mr Hutchinson will open the gate to his property, on the corner of Bendooley and Kangaloon Streets throughout October.
The anniversary celebration comes at a time when the Tulip Time Festival has been scaled back in its 60th year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Hutchinson hopes opening the gates to his garden will provide a springtime treat for the many people who revel in the season and the gardens of the region each year.
However, he is quick to assure that Covid-safe measures will be in place.
"We hope to reopen Beatrice Park/Eugenie Lodge Gardens across October to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of winning the open garden," he said.
"I am told that the Southern Highlands Garden Society (SHGS)and Australian Garden History Society (AGHS) as well as others are supportive despite the Tulip Festival being cancelled this year."
Mr Hutchinson said his intention was for the garden to be open on weekends from 11am to 3pm throughout the month of October (except Saturday, October 17).
He said that someone would be at the gate entrance during this period to monitor the number of people visiting at any one time and the bottom gate to the property would be closed.
Mr Hutchinson said that the number of people on the property would be limited to 30 plus a few volunteers at any time.
Entertainment from local performers will also be provided at various times throughout the open garden period.
Cost of entry is $5 for individuals and $10 for families with funds raised to be donated to the Australian Garden History Society.
Mr Hutchinson said he was also hoping to be able to provide visitors with the option for a cup of tea, coffee or cordial and a biscuit.
"Just like all those years ago when, as a little boy with my mum, we traveled down by steam train to see Eugenie Lodge as it was then," he said.
Those trips led to Mr Hutchinson's family buying the Eugenie Lodge/Beatrice Park in 1993.
He now oversees the property and continues to ensure the garden he has always loved still shines.
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