By JO HARRISON
HISTORIC gardens that have thrived in the high country of the New England were explored by 250 delegates attending the annual conference of the Australian Garden History Society (AGHS) over the weekend.
The gardens and their place in local history were examined in a series of informative lectures that explored in depth the early settlement of the New England and Aboriginal perspectives of gardens.
Local convenor, Lynne Walker from the Armidale Branch of the AGHS said she was in awe of the team that helped make the conference a success.
“To see it all come together so well has been very rewarding for us,” she said.
“The speakers have been terrific and the gardens have been gorgeous.”
Wet weather greeted delegates on the first day of the conference however did not deter delegates exploring the Armidale gardens of Bona Vista and Glen Lea. Lectures and lunch held in the grounds of Saumarez Homestead on Saturday before heading out to the gardens at Gostwyck and Salisbury Court. On Sunday, lunch was at NERAM and the afternoon spent exploring the garden of Palmerston and Chevy Chase before finishing at Wollomombi Falls and Echidna Gully for dinner.
