Garden Club experience ‘magnificent’ showcase property

THE showpiece garden of John and Irene Nosworthy was the highlight of the August meeting of Gloucester Garden Club.

John and Irene purchased the 2.6 acre block in the Meadows in 2018.

Although the basis of the treescape had been planted, the property was badly overgrown at the time.

Seven years later, Garden Club member Peter Hazell said the property can only be described as “magnificent”.

“It was a showpiece in every aspect; beautifully manicured lawns and gardens, and immaculate attention to detail everywhere including the ‘best of show’ orchid house.

“And the inspiring treatment and plantings of ferns and orchids on the slopes leading to their own huge water feature – a full size dam – took our breath away.”

Peter said the timing was just right for the meeting, with blossom trees showing their finest livery, a break in the rain and warm weather.

President Di Relf was in the chair to welcome meeting attendees.

Secretary and treasurer Michele and Bob Marland handled the paperwork, and the competitions were managed by Sharyn Blanch and Robyn Henderson.

Advice for seasonal gardening was also offered.

“The club’s ‘green thumb’ Mandy Griffis said all flowering spring bulbs should be fertilised following flowering for a good feed start to next year’s flowering,” Peter said.

The flower competition attracted 11 entries with a red tulip from Shirley Hazell and a black magnolia from Aldo Razza sharing first place.

Peter Hazell took out third place with a dendrobium orchid.

In the vegetables, Madonna O’Brien won with a giant beetroot, and equal second were Aldo Razza with a pumpkin and Dot Harris with a sweet potato.

Raffle winners were Georgia Harper, Marg smith, Marie Laurie, Victoria King and Ros McIntyre.

The Lucky Door prize went to Mandy Griffis and the members draw winner was Irene Nosworthy.

Irene and John Nosworthy explain their garden features to the meeting on Wednesday.