Garden Ramble for cancer fundraising

GARDEN RAMBLE  2025

The local Garden Ramble, or Open Gardens, is just around the corner - SATURDAY 25^th October, 10am – 5pm.  Entry fee is $5 per garden or a $20 ticket to all gardens. Cash only.

Barraba Cancer Patients Fund Raising Group Inc. (BCPFRG) are again conducting this fundraising event to donate monies onto some of the Australian cancer related and cancer research organizations. The BCPFRG Committee members thank The Rotary Club of Barraba for proudly supporting this day.

With the glorious Spring weather, we have been experiencing, each of the participating gardens is looking superb with their blossoms and fresh growth, as these Winter gardens come to life again for the warmer months.

The participating gardens will have balloons displayed to help with locations – PINK (for breast cancer) and GREY (for ovarian cancer).  Each garden is out of town this year, and are as follows:

‘THE OAKS’, Lyn and Peter Simpson, 287 The Oaks Road – approx. 5km from Barraba. Lyn and Peter have been at The Oaks for only four years. There was lawn and a few established trees including two aged Olives, whose seed was brought back from Egypt during WW1 by old Bill and Ross McKid. Their brother Ardnell James Mckid was killed in action, and the seeds were planted in his memory. Since being at The Oaks, Lyn and Peter have restarted the garden, planting shrubs, flowers and arranging garden ornaments of interest as well throughout the lovely surrounds.

The rest of the gardens are to the north, north east and east of Barraba, namely:  

‘TYCOLAH COTTAGE’, Judy and Bill Crowley, 166 Carisbrooke Road – approx. 20km north of Barraba. This delightful garden is described as an intimate cottage garden, planted with masses of perennials in mostly soft colours, shady trees and roses. Plantings include many salvias, day lilies, nepeta ad solanum. Visitors are encouraged to sit in the shade and enjoy the ambience. Light refreshments will be available, along with bathroom facilities.

DOONBA’, Mandy and Ian Cabot, 250 Doonba Road – approx. 20km NE of Barraba. Doonba garden is rambling and relaxed. There is a 100 year old date palm, a vegetable patch, a rampant Wisteria and a resident Bower Bird. Although there were grand ideas of garden design, the soil, climate and water availability soon came into play. “Sometimes if you encourage the plants to grow and do their own thing, it all comes together!” This superb garden is Mandy’s happy place, and she hopes that you enjoy your visit. Bathroom facility.                                                            

Lastly, but by no terms least, is the final of the four gardens:

‘NANGARAH’, Dale and Peter Hamilton, 307 Linton Road Woodsreef – approx. 23km east of Barraba. Nangarah garden is an ongoing love. It is described as having “great bones”, with mature trees – both native and deciduous. There are beautiful open spaces with herb beds, shrubs, fruit trees and flowers. The Nangarah Creek ‘fences’ the garden on the northern side, and has a waterfall. Changing with the everchanging climate including drought, frosts and wet seasons, the garden is also dictated to family needs, and being situated on a working cattle property. Morning tea and light lunch available.

1. Unfenced creek – children require supervision.

BCPFRG thank each of the gardeners for sharing their gardens so generously. We look forward to seeing as many of the community as possible, to help raise funds for the hope of a Cancer free future, and enjoy a day out immersed in the charm, beauty and awe of nature whilst doing so. The date and times again - SATURDAY 25^th OCTOBER, 10am-5pm.

Refreshments and meals are also available at the usual food outlets in Barraba.

For all enquiries, please contact Lib on 0428 653 639.