Now in its 29th year, the Griffith Garden Festival continues to be an integral part of Griffith Spring Fest.
It showcases the many local gardens which come to life at this time of year, and the work of the gardeners who tend to them year-round.
Coach groups and independent visitors travel from far and wide to visit Griffith's wonderful gardens and enjoy the unique hospitality offered.
This year the seven open gardens range from small town gardens, with neatly trimmed edges and creative ideas for turning tight spaces into wild havens, to expansive rural gardens, where visitors will be overwhelmed by the huge potential of taming and nurturing such spaces.
Gardening enthusiasts can visit a garden island, accessible via a bridge over a self-made moat, and gardens set amongst orange orchards and vineyards.
Gardens featured this year include, Mick and Marj Careri's Rosewood Park on Stokes, Trish and Lou Sartor, Lawrence Salvestrin and Tori Horder's Davit Farm, Peter and Ines Taprell, Emeri De Bortoli's, Il Campo, Patricia and Sally Jones, Yambiana, and Sam and Roslyn Catanzariti.
Griffith City Council's Event Coordinator Georgina Horton said, "This year we really want to showcase the local talent we have here."
"As well as open gardens, there'll be talks provided by experts on topics ranging from worm farming and a DIY bird bath workshop, as well as lunch, morning and afternoon tea/ refreshments available at the gardens," Ms Horton said.
"The gardeners are full of knowledge and some will be offering their own tours and handmade products such as bird houses and potted succulents."
For those visitors and locals wishing to enjoy the sights and tastes on offer in relaxed comfort, the Visitor Information Centre is once again running bus tours with thanks to local sponsor Roy Spagnolo & Associates.
Chairperson of the Spring Fest Working Group, Councillor Rina Mercuri, is delighted with the way things are shaping up. She is urging people to take advantage of the buses.
"The buses really are great value and hassle free, you get five gardens, a light lunch, a winery visit and tasting, and a local driver to give you all the local information and show you the hospitality Griffith is known for," Councillor Mercuri said.
"This is all included in these daily tours running Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October."
Phone the friendly staff at the Griffith Visitor Information Centre 1800 681 141 or go to www.griffithspringfest.com.au to make a booking.
