ARMIDALE gardeners are rolling up their sleeves in a bid to have their properties ready for a special drought fund-raiser.
In a co-operative move by garden clubs from Armidale, Uralla and Guyra, an impromptu open garden day was organised for Saturday, 29 March to raise money for drought-affected farmers.
Organiser Lou Forsythe said although gardeners were very proud people and rarely showed off their gardens unless they were immaculate condition, many had made an exception for the good cause.
“Although most of the gardens have access to town water, they have also suffered from the drought,” she said.
“We only organised this earlier in the month and the response has been amazing.”
Eight gardens will be open from 10am to 4pm on 29 March, with entry to each $5.
Rob and Sue Bedford are opening their garden to the public and are hoping the public supports the good cause.
Mr Bedford said he was anxiously waiting for a water bill to arrive after a summer of keeping his lawn and garden in immaculate condition.
“All the water we have is town water, so we are lucky in that regard,” he said.
“You still can’t beat a good drop of rain, though.”
More information about the fund-raiser is available at www.facebook.com/GardenersSupportingFarmers and in the Independent next week.
