Several properties will welcome visitors into their yards for Orange Public School’s open gardens day, a fundraiser for the school’s play and garden areas.

Organiser Lindy Kay said springtime is special in Orange because it follows such a long, cold winter. 

“When spring arrives we feel we have achieved something and deserve a little warmth and colour,” said Mrs Kay.

“It will be extra special this weekend to be able to wander around a garden you may have admired from the street and have always wondered what lay beyond the bounds.”

Mrs Kay said each open garden offers something different to their participating neighbours.

“I think Josie and Gary Sander’s garden in Moriarty Crescent is a wonderful example of a new garden,” she said. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the grace and elegance of Mena’s garden [50 Kite Street].”

A keen gardener herself, Mrs Kay described the garden belonging to the Westgeests on Old Forbes Road and the gardens of the Turners and the Reids, which are both at Clifton Grove as “gorgeous”.

“Larance, Griffith and Pells’ gardens in central Orange are each beautifully crafted and developed by experienced gardeners with a flair for small space gardening – each of the gardens is a treat in itself.” she said.

Saturday’s highlights will also include a watercolour art class by local artist Danny Cooke, as well as a sorbet stand selling homemade sorbets and a cake and goodies stall.

There will musical performances by OPS strings, flutes and choirs and children’s illustrator Freya Blackwood’s artwork for sale.

OPS on Kite Street will be open from 9am to sell tickets and maps, or tickets and maps can be purchased from any of the gardens from 10am to 5pm.

Mrs Kay said children are encouraged to come and it is free for them to attend.

“There is a hidden ‘chook’ in each garden – send them off and see if they can find where the chicken is hiding,” she said.