Another successful Art in the Garden at the weekend attracted both locals and holiday makers, who were invited to walk around and experience some of the treasures in people’s backyards.

The Alexandra Community Arts Council biennial event is well established, now in its 20th year, with 10 local gardens opened up to the public.

Local performers entertained and artists demonstrated and sold their creations - everything from home-made soaps, tinctures, pottery, candles, felting work, and jewellery.

The event was first started by Kathi McLean and Angela Jacobsen back in the day - who are both still involved, and now Shona Bain has come onboard to help organise as well.

“It takes us two years to get it up and running - it takes that long,” she said.

Entertainers included Cromwell College student Grace Tiko, Ukes in Thyme, Dance Club Central and Dunstan High School music teachers Nick Meissel and Bronwyn Barnes.

Nick Meissel and Bronwyn Barnes perform at Orchard Garden. VIDEO: AIMEE WILSON

Profits from the weekend were returned to the community for young people to apply for arts scholarships.

Shona said they expected to make $5000 from the event, with a strong number of tickets sold.

She said the original money raised from earlier events went towards buying some of the sculptures around the town.

Auckland couple Lourens and Sandra Ellis were holidaying in the south when they drove past one of the gardens and noticed a sign advertising the event.

They could not believe just how incredible some of the gardens were and what was hidden in people’s backyards in Central Otago - especially what was able to grow here.

You never know what you might find hidden in people’s backyards. PHOTO: AIMEE WILSON

Shona said for many people- particularly those who moved to Central Otago from the cities - Art in the Garden was an opportunity to see a range of different plants, before they established their own gardens.

“People move here and have no idea what grows here in this unique climate.”

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