RAMBLING 'ROUND OUR GARDENS

Oberon's mountain climate and high rainfall provide a wonderful environment for cool country plants, both introduced and native species. From early spring until late autumn, Oberon gardens are always full of colour and interest. The active Oberon Garden Club has developed an enthusiasm amongst members, many of whom open their gardens to the public in the spring and on request during the year. An Oberon garden ramble is a popular day trip for groups of garden enthusiasts. The district has a number of unique gardens well worth a visit. Oberon gardens are open for the Daffodil Festival in September, in October and at other times by appointment. Some gardens are open in the ABC Open Garden Scheme.

Oberon's climate and close proximity to large centres has encouraged both retail and grower nurseries. Retailers such as Currumbena have a large selection of garden plants.

Oberon Plateau Farm Trees, owned by Sam and Vicki Keen, specialises in producing native and introduced species of trees for windbreaks and woodlots, grown as tube stock or advanced trees. It is open only by appointment.

Brenda Lyon's Specialty Bulbs has a large garden and daffodil nursery which is open to the public in late September and early October, when visitors can view many of the 2000 varieties in bloom. Visitors may purchase potted daffodils and cut flowers. There is a unique selection of daffodil bulbs available for sale in February and March.

Ross Conifers, a specialist grower on Tarana Road, Gemalla, via Tarana, has a wide variety of conifers and cold-climate plants, with many mature specimens set in landscaped grounds, giving visitors the opportunity to see the size of adult conifers before purchasing.