Jordans Crossing Gazette

This year’s 21st Garden Ramble has been another success story. After the opening ceremony and the cutting of the celebratory cake, it was ON. The eight different gardens, refreshed after rain the day before, looked fabulous and welcomed visitors. This year offered a wide selection of differing sizes, styles, designs and plantings, with other attractions at some gardens, such as food and plant stalls, to enhance the visitor experience. The market stalls in the hall offered much to the discerning buyer. The balloons and the delightful display of plants and garden objects by the Bundanoon Bloomery, conveyed a festive feel. The garden gate attendants received many comments, which reflected the joy that visitors felt after visiting the gardens. “Beautifully put together”, “inspired by what you have done!”, “absolutely divine – food for the soul”, “serene, tranquil and harmonious”; “so nice to see a native garden” and “loved the vegetable garden” were some of the comments received. Buses provided regular transport around the gardens which gave visitors a chance to take in the sights and to see the scarecrows around the village. The winner of the 2017 Scarecrow Adult division was: ‘Blown Away by Bundanoon’ by the Bundanoon Guest House. The children’s division winner was: ‘Farmer Pig the Pug’ made by Sofia, Cade and Liam Wilson. On Sunday afternoon, garden owners and volunteers gathered in the Supper Room. Garden owners related about how being in the Ramble was an exhilarating experience. The interaction with visitors and the level of interest and appreciation shown was unexpected to many owners who just simply enjoy their gardens and often don’t consider them very special. The Ramble Committee thanked everyone and the eight garden owners were presented with a gift certificate in appreciation for their huge efforts. The Ramble Committee also give a huge “thank you” the whole village for welcoming the ramblers yet again. The Garden Ramble has been an ongoing success in Bundanoon as the landscape lends itself to wandering and looking, at a leisurely pace. The Ramble isn’t about the biggest and the best gardens but those that are created with love, reflecting the village and its quirky ways! The next Garden Ramble will be 27–28 October 2018. Ready, Set, Garden! — Patricia Varley, Convenor Garden Ramble Round-Up events December 2017 15 jcg www.bca.asn.au