The festival opened yesterday (Thursday) and people have until Sunday to get out and see the wonderful eight gardens which are part of the popular festival.

Robyn Gould, yesterday, welcomed a bus load of people into her King Street garden.

Sydney resident Fay Thompson was one of the people taken by Mrs Gould’s garden.

“I love this garden so much I am going around to look at it again,” Mrs Thompson said.

“Everyone should come out to Berry and see these gardens because you get ideas to borrow.”

Mrs Gould’s Japanese style garden took two years to create.

“This was a vacant block two years ago,” she said.

The garden has various features and is one of beauty, privacy and tranquillity.

Mrs Gould also invited Mason Keane from Bonsai of the Bay to have a display and conduct workshops.

All the gardens are open from 10am to 4pm until Sunday and should not be missed.

The festival is a draw-card for the Shoalhaven and thousands of visitors come to Berry every year to enjoy the festival.

Each year, eight gardens around Berry and the surrounding district are selected for their design, plant varieties and creativity.

From vast rural landscapes to small cottage gardens in the town, there is always something new and inspiring to see.

Each festival raises thousands of dollars for local charities and not-for-profit groups.  

Over the past 25 years, these funds have enabled the purchase of vital equipment, supported health and community programs and enriched the lives of many in need.

Go to www.berrygardens.org.au/berry-gardens-festival to get all the information on the festival.

The Berry and District Garden Club runs the festival.

The club is delighted to have so many active and interesting people in our club, all of whom bring knowledge, enthusiasm and a love of gardens with them to their meetings and on the various garden trips and excursions we include in our activities.

The club meets every third Tuesday of the month (between February and November) at St Luke’s Church Hall in Princess Street, Berry at 7.30pm. Everyone is most welcome to come along, listen to guest speakers, purchase bargain-priced plants and enjoy supper with experienced local gardeners.

For more information about the club and our activities contact the secretary, ?Gail Paton on 0413 893 508.