IN spite of the extraordinary amount of rain we've had during Spring the gardens seem to have loved the rain.

It's a treat to walk around the streets enjoying other people's gardens; there are some very talented gardeners in our town (Mansfield).

Mansfield Garden Club members have been busy mowing lawns and cutting back the explosion of growth everywhere and preparing and planting out vegetables when the weather permits.

Some have visited Open Garden Days out of town that have managed to go ahead despite the soggy conditions.

David Kuronya from DK Tree Care was guest speaker at the club's September meeting.

David explained how his love of horticulture led him from nursery work to working for the Shire Parks and Gardens team before joining High Country Tree Services.

His interest in tree health led him to ultimately study to become a consulting arborist and starting his own business this year.

David identifies trees and their potential for disease.

He gathers data to produce a report to clients to assist them in keeping their trees safe and healthy.

At the October meeting members welcomed Ralph Bristow who shared with them his love of perennial plants.

Ralph is a renowned artist and the owner of Ralph Bristow Garden Design.

He has developed a garden at Barwite on the banks of the Broken River on a property he shares with his partner, Nicky.

The house is now surrounded with perennials planted over the last eight years, with sections of the garden only three years old.

Ralph has a passion for perennials and delights in the changes through the seasons and the various stages the plants go through, providing inspiration for not only the plantings in the garden but the artwork he creates.

SAVE the DATE: Mansfield Garden Club Open Garden Day Sunday, February 19, 2023 – 'Broken River Beauties'.

Details to be advised in January.

Mansfield Garden Club meets on the last Thursday of the month and new members are always welcome.

For enquiries contact mansfieldgardenclub@gmail.com.