For the fourth year running, Hunter Valley Gardens is set to host the Christmas Lights Spectacular, Australia’s biggest Christmas lights display. A wonderful experience for the whole family to enjoy, the Gardens will be alive with colour every night from Thursday 11 November until Thursday 6 January 2011 (excluding Christmas Day & Night). This year Hunter Valley Gardens have even more reason to celebrate as Christmas Lights Spectacular has just been awarded the Hunter Central Coast Tourism Award, in the ‘Festivals and Events’ category, for the second year running.
General Manager, Kyle McKendry says, "We are thrilled that Christmas Lights Spectacular has been recognised as the top event in this category and we guarantee that this year’s event will be even more magnificent and exciting than ever before. With thousands of people having visited last year we are sure many more families will come along to see an even bigger and brighter display this year. It’s a great opportunity to experience the Christmas spirit that the lights inspire."
After 6 weeks behind the scenes testing and preparing lights, the horticultural team have put the shovels down to begin the rollout of Christmas lights for the 4th annual Christmas Lights Spectacular.
The official opening for this exciting event on 12th November is still several weeks away but with over 25km of strings lights and enough net lights to cover the SCG, not to mention the 100’s of pieces that make up the various themed scenes the race is now on to ensure the best display yet.
"All the horticultural staff get involved and they really enjoy the challenge of setting up the displays. We have some great new scenes this year including a Jurassic display with 4m high dinosaurs, a giant Christmas stocking as well as a 6m long paddle boat."
With exciting new displays of over 1 million lights, plus festive food, beverages, children’s entertainment and of course Santa Claus, the Christmas Lights Spectacular is bound to capture the spirit of Christmas and create lasting memories for all.
This year Hunter Valley Gardens has made several additions to the Christmas Lights Spectacular including scenes from the Jurassic Park era with fearsome dinosaurs and lava filled volcanoes, scenes from The North Pole, fountain firework lights, cherry blossom trees, a larger than life nativity scene and even a touch of Sydney thrown in with the famous Sydney Harbour scene created in stunning lights. Kids will also love the ever popular cactus light display as it makes a reappearance this year.
Another exciting addition is the Lemax miniature Christmas village featuring a little white chapel, a chocolate shop, and a shopping village just like the actual Hunter Valley Gardens.
The majestic 10 metre waterfall, the piece de resistance of the Sunken Gardens, will be illuminated with thousands of underwater lights creating a magical atmosphere that will capture the imaginations of both the young and the old.
Fundraising will take place throughout the event for community based charities, with funds donated last year to Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Australian Citizens Radio Emergency Monitors (ACREM) and the local Lions and Rotary Clubs.
Children will be able to have a professional photo taken with Santa or to simply sit on his knee and talk about their Christmas wish list. Well known children’s group The Little Scallywagz will entertain them with a fun energetic upbeat Christmas show at 7pm and 8pm every night and there will also be roaming performers and carol singers, keeping everyone entertained.
The gates will open nightly from 6.30pm with pre-lights entertainment and food stalls so that families can make an evening of it. The lights display will commence at 7.30pm.
Entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be $10 for children aged between four and 15 and $17.50 for adults and children 16 and older. Children aged three and under receive free entry and every child will receive a FREE glow stick. If guests have visited the Gardens during the day they are entitled to a discounted entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular of $10 per adult and free entry for children with a receipt as proof of entry.
This year, for the first time, Hunter Valley Gardens have introduced an online ticket purchasing system. Visitors can pre-purchase their tickets to the Christmas Lights online at www.hvg.com.au which will allow express entry into the attraction. This service will be available from 10th November, just in time for the start of the event
For those looking to do something a little different this year for their work Christmas party or even a festive dinner with friends, dinner packages are available at $47.50 per adult and $25.50 per child which includes entry into the Christmas Lights Spectacular and a delicious two course dinner. For an event with a difference, the 10 individually designed display gardens are also available for private functions ranging from cocktail parties to formal sit down dinners.
If making a weekend of it is on the agenda, Christmas Lights Spectacular accommodation packages are available at Harrigan’s Irish Pub and Accommodation. For bookings and inquiries please contact Harrigan’s on 02 4998 4300.
To find out more about the Christmas Lights Spectacular, for dinner packages and for Christmas function bookings, please visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000. In the event of wet weather, please contact Hunter Valley Gardens to find out if the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be open.
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On Sunday, May 2, the annual “Blessing of the Harvest Mass” will take place at the Hunter Valley Gardens Chapel from 10am.
Celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Edward Cassidy who has been involved for over six years, the popular community mass will provide a special occasion for all grape growers, winemakers, those engaged in the Hospitality Industry and families throughout the region, to give thanks for the 2010 grape harvest.
Local Vigneron Jerome Scarborough says, “This seasons harvest was one of variation and commenced earlier than normal due to the seasonal conditions. We had some challenges with the weather but with persistence and endeavour we were able to successfully harvest our crops. This mass gives thanks and praise to our vignerons for their efforts and tenacity as they prepare for their next season”.
A pianist, cellist and violinist will provide entertainment at the event and following the service light refreshments will be served in the Chapel Courtyard.
The gathering has been very popular in previous years amongst members of the community, as those who attend enjoy meeting their peers, neigbours and friends to celebrate a good harvest in unity.
Hunter Valley Gardens Chapel set amongst the glorious backdrop of the vines and Brokenback Mountain Ranges is an ideal venue for such a celebration.
All people are welcome and invited to attend this special service.
To RSVP, please contact Alexandra Meissner at alexandram@hvg.com.au or call 4998 4072 by the 23rd April.
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Organizers are hoping to be third time lucky with the weather for the next Mid Winter Wander on Sunday 20 June.
Despite some very wet and cold days for the first two years, this event still managed to attract over 600 vehicles each time. With a fine day the tally should certainly reach the one thousand mark.
Participants have traveled from as far as Port Macquarie and Katoomba as well as most of the Hunter Valley and Sydney areas to be part of this cavalcade of veteran, vintage, classic and commercial collectable vehicles. Hot rod, street machine and motor bike owners, are all eager to demonstrate that their pride and joy is not just a show pony but a genuine get up and go special machine.
The drive will begin early with a mass assembly show and shine at the Stockland Glendale Shopping Centre. Then at 9.00 am the largest convoy of unique vehicles in NSW will set out for the award winning international tourist destination that is the Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin. The scenic route will cover 80 kilometres through Edgeworth, Wakefield, Freeman’s Waterhole and along Sandy Creek Road to Millfield, then back through Bellbird, Cessnock and along Mount View Road to Hunter Valley Gardens.
This is where some of the finest cars, trucks and motor bikes will be on display for all to enjoy in what is arguably the best venue in NSW for a large ‘Show and Shine’.
Entertainment, food and wine stalls as well as children’s activities such as face painting and a jumping castle, all set amongst a beautiful garden backdrop will ensure a great day out for the family.
“The Mid Winter Wander was a very popular day out for people of all ages the last two years. This year, it’s even bigger and better and families will be able to enjoy an amazing spectacle of unusual and classic vehicles on display. They will then be able to visit the magnificent Gardens for a wonderful afternoons wander,” says Kyle McKendry, General Manager, Leisure and Hospitality Division Roche Group.
Dan Bergquist from Newcastle Restored Vehicle Club says, “This is the only car convoy and display of its kind in NSW. Based on past success, its well on it’s way to becoming an annual event to be enjoyed by everyone in the Hunter region and beyond.”
For those looking to spend the weekend in the Hunter Valley there is accommodation available on the property at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. For further information regarding the Mid Winter Wander and for accommodation packages visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000.
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This June long weekend from Saturday 12 June to Monday 14 June 2010, Hunter Valley Gardens will launch FlavourFest, an exciting new sensory experience. The three day culinary extravaganza will feature fine food, exquisite wine, deluxe merchandise, cooking demonstrations, celebrity guest hosts and inspiring music, showcasing the flavours and sounds of the Hunter and beyond, all inside Australia’s largest and most spectacular display gardens.
Experience the gems of the Hunter together in one beautiful location, with a marketplace full of fresh produce, gourmet foods, sweet delights and exotic flavours and the region’s most acclaimed boutique wines and beers.
After grabbing a bite to eat, sit and enjoy the ‘flavours of music’ from around the world, with performances featuring Scottish, Celtic, African, Spanish and South American tunes.
There will also be a range of fun and quirky entertainment with roaming musicians and clowns, sure to keep both the young and young at heart entertained.
Kyle McKendry, General Manager says, “Hunter Valley Gardens is excited to announce the launch of FlavourFest this June long weekend. There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy with interactive activities sure to make it a memorable long weekend for everyone.”
Celebrity guests taking to the stage to host cooking demonstrations during FlavourFest include:
Tobie Puttock – Saturday 12th June
International award winning chef Tobie Puttock worked alongside Jamie Oliver in the hit series ‘Jamie’s Kitchen – Australia’ and appeared in the Lifestyle Channel’s FOOD TV series ‘Tobie and Matt - Europe and Asia’. He also has two best selling cookbooks ‘Daily Italian’ and ‘Italian Local’.
Janelle Bloom - 12th, 13th & 14th June
Janelle Bloom is one of Australia’s most-loved food writers and one of the original chefs on Network Ten’s Ready Steady Cook.
Pete Evans – Monday 14 June
Respected chef Pete Evans is currently starring in channel 7's My Kitchen Rules as an expert judge. Pete's Hugos restaurants have won numerous awards, including a coveted Sydney Morning Herald Chefs Hat seven years in a row.
In addition to the celebrity chefs there will be several award winning local chefs showcasing inspiring techniques and delicious recipes. World champion bartenders from Goldfish Bar in Sydney and Pokolbin, will also be on hand to mix top quality drinks and cocktails and to divulge their secrets from the highly skilled world of mixology.
There will be plenty for the kids at FlavourFest too. They will be able to exert their energy on the jumping castle, get their face painted and join in the music and dancing fun with the live kids shows. Kids can even have a go at cooking with Kids In The Kitchen, getting their hands dirty making their own cookies to take home. (Additional fees apply.)
Entry to the Gardens is $22.50 per adult and children 16 and older, $12 for children between 4 – 15 years of age with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information regarding FlavourFest at Hunter Valley Gardens (Broke Rd, Pokolbin), please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au
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From Monday 5 April to Sunday 18 April 2010, the Hunter Valley Gardens ‘Kidspace’ Program will host “Get Up and Groove” themed school holiday activities, giving families the opportunity to be involved in musical activities, dance workshops and many other entertaining and educational events.
Kyle McKendry, General Manager says, “Our school holiday themes have become a huge attraction for families because they allow parents to get outdoors with their kids and have a lot of fun. ‘Get Up and Groove’ will not only involve being outdoors in spectacular garden settings, but will get the whole family dancing to the beat.”
Activities and entertainment taking place at Hunter Valley Gardens during the April school holidays include:
Train Rides:
All Day
Families can enjoy a ride around the Gardens and take in the sights on the shiny new train. Please note additional charges will apply.
Hip Hop Dance Workshop:
10am – 1pm
Children can get up and groove in the interactive dance workshop which includes a Hip Hop dance lesson, song writing and a performance at the end of the workshop for parents.
Jumping Castle:
10am - 2pm in the Storybook Garden
Jump to new heights on Hunter Valley Gardens very own Story Book Garden themed jumping castle ($3 per go).
Hip Hop Craft and Dress Up
10am – 2pm
Children can dance to the beat of their very own handmade tambourine and dress up like a real Hip Hop artist in ‘bling’ and baggy pants, sure to be a great photo opportunity.
Hip Hop Hopscotch:
10am – 2pm
Children can hop, skip and jump on their very own hopscotch grid, sure to keep them entertained for hours!
The Jitter Jacks Show:
2pm in the Amphitheatre
Experience the high energy children’s group, The Jitter Jacks, in a live show featuring popular children’s nursery rhymes which are sure to entertain.
Entry to the Gardens is $22.50 per adult and children 16 and older, $12 for children 14 – 15 years of age with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information regarding the “Get Up and Groove” themed April school holiday activities at Hunter Valley Gardens please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au
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This Easter long weekend, from Friday 2nd April to Monday 5th April, 2010, Hunter Valley Gardens will be a highlight for people of all ages with lots of fun activities, entertainment, giveaways and great prizes to be won. The action packed schedule will kick off the April School Holiday KidSpace program themed “Get up and Groove”, which will run from Saturday 3rd April to Sunday 18th April 2010.
Kyle McKendry, General Manager says, “There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Hunter Valley Gardens this Easter long weekend. With interactive activities such as our annual Giant Easter Egg Hunt it is sure to be a memorable Easter long weekend for everyone.”
Activities to be held during Easter will include:
Hunter Valley Gardens Train
Parents and Children can enjoy a train tour around the Gardens.
A charge of $7.00 per Adult and $5.00 per child will apply.
Storybook Garden Jumping Castle
Hunter Valley Gardens very own Storybook Garden themed Jumping Castle will be onsite everyday. A $3.00 charge will apply.
The Jitter Jacks Show
The children will excite as they join in the fun with Stacy, Luke and their lovable friend Yoyo the grooving Jitter Jack performing at Hunter Valley Gardens at 2pm each day.
The interactive musical adventures, will keep the children smiling and grooving along to lively Jitter Jacks songs and popular children’s nursery rhymes making their Jitter Jacks experience one not to forget.
Easter Craft
Children will be able to make their own Easter Bonnet, Easter Basket and Origami Bunnies with the help of our host. Craft materials will be supplied and children can model their Easter bonnet around the Garden.
Giant Parachute and Games
Children can come and play under the 13m wide giant parachute which will keep them enthralled as they work as a team to keep balls and other items in the air.
Egg and Spoon & Sack Races
Join in the fun of these long established family activities which will take place in the Formal Garden daily. Go in a race with the kids with lots of photo opportunities and memories to be made.
Hatching Chickens
Come and watch real baby chickens as they hatch from their eggs and take their first steps.
Colouring competition
Kids will have the opportunity to colour in one of the Gardens Easter pictures for a chance to win a Hunter Valley Gardens kids merchandise pack.
On Easter Saturday and Sunday, 3rd and 4th April 2010, there will be additional activities taking place to celebrate Easter including:
Giant Easter Egg Hunt
Hunter Valley Gardens has been hosting its Giant Easter Egg Hunt for 6 years and it has proven to be a day of fun and adventure as children participate in the search for thousands of brightly coloured plastic eggs. Every child receives a gift at the completion of the hunt.
Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny will be on site all day and will show up at the hunt and organised activities, so keep an eye out for him!
The Easter bunny will be bouncing around Hunter Valley Gardens Giant Easter Egg Hunt and activities throughout the day – so keep your eye out for him.
Easter Hat Parade
Hunter Valley Gardens will host its annual Easter Hat Parade where Children can bring along their decorated Easter bonnet and compete with great prizes to be won.
Entry to the Gardens is $22.50 per adult and children 16 and older, $12 for children between 4 – 15 years of age with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information regarding Easter and/or School Holiday activities at Hunter Valley Gardens (Broke Rd, Pokolbin), please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au
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During 2010 NSW Seniors Week, from March 21 to 28, Hunter Valley Gardens will be proudly hosting an event packed schedule that celebrates life and the valuable contribution seniors make to the community. Free soft serve ice cream for each senior, a rockin’ performance by an Elvis Tribute Artist, special guests, daily garden talks and tours, cooking shows and an expo, are just some of the fabulous delights that await each visitor.
Sean O’Brien, Award Winning Horticulturalist at Hunter Valley Gardens says, “Senior members of our community adore the Gardens as they visit throughout the year. It’s our sheer delight to focus on them specifically for this special week and offer a program that will enthrall, engage and inspire them and their families.”
Elvis the Legend Show - Sun 21 Mar–Sun 28 Mar, 2.00pm
Steve King, Australia’s best Elvis Tribute Artist, will take you on a musical odyssey with his engaging show. Be mesmerized by the classics, Love Me Tender, Can’t Help Falling In Love With You and Are You Lonesome Tonight , supported by his glamorous Las Vegas Show Girls with their dazzling routines!
Special Guests
Cooking Master - Gretta Anna Teplitzky - Sun 28 Mar, 11.00am -12.00 noon
Many Australian housewives grew up with Gretta Anna Teplitzky’s wonderful recipes from such books as 'The Gretta Anna Recipes' and ‘More Gretta Anna Recipes’. One of her children Martin (Bon Cafard Restaurant, Berowra Waters Inn) followed her footsteps into the kitchen and has passed the skill onto the next generation with grandson Miro who has just completed his first cookbook dedicated of course to his famous grandmother! Gretta will be at Hunter Valley Gardens demonstrating some of the old favourites and a few new ones too!
Tastes from the Country - Sun 21 Mar– Fri 26 Mar, 11.00am
Join daily cooking demonstrations with Louise Jamieson and Hunter Valley Gardens leading chefs using fresh garden produce to create simple yet tasty meals.
Chat with Brian McGuigan - Sat 27 Mar & Sun 28 Mar, 11.00am -12.00 noon
Renowned Hunter Valley winemaker and NSW Seniors Week Ambassador, Brian McGuigan will talk about wine with Hunter Valley Gardens head chef Nick Vivian while he cooks up a storm in the Gardens!
Garden Talks & Demonstrations
History Talk of the Gardens at the Sunken Garden
Sun 21 Mar – Fri 26 Mar, 11.30am–12.30pm
Learn the history behind this award winning and internationally acclaimed display garden. From the vision of one man, to an international success story.
Story Book Gardens Nursery Rhyme Talk and Tour, meet at the Gingerbread House
Sun 21 Mar – Sun 28Mar, 10.30am –11.00am
Have you ever wanted to know the history behind some of our most well known and loved nursery rhymes? Well join our staff in the Storybook gardens for a fascinating talk and tour. This is regarded as the most popular area of Hunter Valley Gardens.
Rose Garden Talk, Meet in the Rose Garden
Sun 21 Mar – Sun 28 Mar, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
The rose has captured humankinds’ imagination for thousands of years and has taken a place of honour in gardens around the world. See 8,000 roses comprising of 156 different varieties featured in a stunning corkscrew landscape design. Our expert horticultural staff will show you that anybody can grow beautiful roses with the correct knowledge on planting; treating pests and diseases; the use of fertilisers; pruning methods; and watering.
Oriental Garden Talk and Tour, Meet in the Oriental Pagoda
Sun 21 Mar–Sun 28 Mar, 1.30pm – 2.00pm
Learn about the concepts and key differences between Oriental and Western Gardens and explore the cultural and historical background to Japanese horticultural design.
Fire Safety Demonstration at the Formal Garden
Sun 21 Mar – Sun 28 Mar, 2.30pm
53% of fires start in the kitchen! NSW Fire brigade will show how a small kitchen fire can soon become out of control, prevention and how correctly extinguish a fire.
Retirement Village Expo, Wed 24 Mar & Thur 25 Mar, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Stroll around the Retirement Villages exhibit during Seniors Week and view all the great options for retirement living.
Entry to the Gardens for Seniors Week is at the special rate of $10 for seniors, $22.50 per adult and children 16 and older, $12 for children between 14 – 15 years of age with children 3 years and under admitted free. For further information regarding NSW Seniors Week activities including a full schedule at Hunter Valley Gardens (Broke Rd, Pokolbin), visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000.
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Hunter Valley Gardens is delighted to have won the ‘Most Significant Tourist Attraction in the Hunter Region’ Award and also the Award for ‘Best Festival or Event’ at the prestigious 2009 Hunter Region Tourism Awards, held on Thursday 13 August at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley. This is the sixth year Hunter Valley Gardens has won the ‘Most Significant Tourist Attraction’ Award, a tremendous honour leading into the Gardens sixth Birthday celebrations.
The ‘Most Significant Tourist Attraction’ Award category was open to attractions of state importance which market primarily to intrastate and/or interstate visitors and have significantly contributed to the tourism experience within their metropolitan or country region. The criteria to win the Award included business vision and plans, marketing strategies, innovation, customer service, and environmental sustainability.
Hunter Valley Gardens Horticultural Manager Sean O'Brien and Marketing Manager Alena Pople who accepted the Awards, paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the success of Hunter Valley Gardens over the past year including the horticultural, administration, retail, customer service, sales, marketing, functions, weddings and human resources staff.
Sean said, “We are absolutely delighted to have received the ‘Most Significant Tourist Attraction’ Award for the sixth year in a row. All of the staff at Hunter Valley Gardens work tirelessly to ensure we provide a premier tourist attraction that provides lasting memories for visitors.”
To top off the evening, Hunter Valley Gardens was recognised in the Festivals and Events category for ‘Best Festival or Event’ for the 2008 Christmas Lights Spectacular, the largest event on the Garden’s calendar to date. This Award category was open to festivals and events that have a substantial economic impact within the local community, attract visitors from intrastate and/or interstate, generate a regional media profile and positively promote the destination.
The Christmas Lights Spectacular 2008 took place from 13 Novemer 2008 to 3 January, 2009 with over 400,000 lights spread throughout five of the magnificently themed Gardens.
A total of 72,814 visitors visited the Christmas Lights Spectacular in 2008, helping Hunter Valley Gardens raise close to $17,500 for local charities including Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Lions Clubs, Ronald McDonald House and the Salvation Army.
On accepting the Award, Sean commented that the Christmas Lights Spectacular brings the magic of Christmas well and truly alive.
“We are delighted to have won the ‘Best Festival or Event’ Award for the 2008 Christmas Lights Spectacular which was a truly memorable experience for all who visited the gardens during that time.” Sean said.
Hunter Valley Gardens was opened by Bill and Imelda Roche in 2003 after four years of development. Set on 60 acres of magnificent land with eight kilometres of pathways; 6,000 trees; 600,000 shrubs and more than one million ground covers, and incorporates 10 internationally-themed gardens.
Hunter Valley Gardens will be hosting its 5th annual Festival of Flowers from Tuesday September 1 to Wednesday September 30. This special event will immerse visitors in a sensory experience they will never forget. For a full calendar of events and highlights, visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000
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With an upcoming Wedding Expo to be hosted at Hunter Valley Gardens on Sunday August 23, 2009, many couples have been asking how they can make a splash without spending a fortune, which often comes with the territory.
Hunter Valley Gardens Wedding Experts Carly Harper and Sarah Hingeley say, “With a tight economy brides and grooms often make the mistake of thinking to add that ‘WOW’ factor will put them completely out of pocket. This isn’t so as there are some clever and little known touches that can make a real impression and the world of difference to them and their guests.”
Carly and Sarah’s top tips for unforgettable nuptials include:
1. Helicopter Arrival – This is a very special way to make an entrance! For 3 people, a helicopter ride to the ceremony or reception will set a couple back from as little as $250.
2. Horse & Carriage – If tradition is the key, there is nothing more romantic than a horse and carriage ride from the Gardens to a chosen destination, with prices starting from just $250.
3. Fireworks – Couples always think a fireworks display will cost tens of thousands of dollars and are reserved for the uber wealthy, but a four minute display can start at $675.
4. Caricaturist – A great way to make guests laugh and remember the day with a keepsake is a comical sketch of themselves! Prices start at $750.
5. Photo Booths - Everyone loves a photo! This is a great way to make guests interact with each other and have a lasting memory to take home. A photo booth will cost approximately $900 to hire.
For these and other fabulous ideas, Hunter Valley Gardens will open its gates to showcase their internationally recognised display gardens on Sunday 23rd August from 10am to 4pm. Couples will be invited to wander through the gorgeous 10 international display gardens and discuss their wedding plans with the wedding team, along with local wedding suppliers who will all be on hand to help create the perfect day.
In addition, the lovely Garden Terrace will be in full wedding set up, and one of the Gardens Award winning Chefs will be on hand to discuss all of the appetising menu options. Harrigan’s Deck, just a stones throw away, will also be open for personal viewing from 10am onwards. This equally unique location will be magically transformed to showcase a wedding to remember.
Hunter Valley Gardens offers everything required for an unforgettable day including a beautiful 150 seat chapel, the perfect location for wedding photos, along with a stunning reception venue looking out onto the award winning Gardens. Accommodation is available by calling Harrigan’s Accommodation on 02 4998 4300.
Admission to view the Gardens and attend the expo is free for all wedding couples. For further information or bookings please contact Sarah or Carly on 02 4998 4000 or email
weddings@hvg.com.au
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For further information or to interview Carly Harper or Sarah Hingeley contact Sharon Zeev Poole at Agent99 PR on 02 9380 2304 or 0401 811 930 or
sharon@agent99pr.com
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Earlier this month, Hunter Valley Gardens’ award winning horticulturist Sean O’Brien and his team visited the Nulkaba Public School in Nulkaba to help Year 1 and 2 classes plant their own herb and vegetable garden for this winter.
Sean O’Brien, Horticulturist, Hunter Valley Gardens said, “Many schools across the country are starting to teach their students the importance of sustainability, and are demonstrating the way in which many people harvest their own fruit and vegetables to feed their family. We are delighted to be a part of this project and look forward to doing more with schools in the area as we all strive for a healthier and environmentally sound future for our children.”
As part of their studies, Nulkaba Public School is looking at the history of how people used to live and a component of that will see students nursing a winter garden and planting a summer garden when the weather warms up later this year.
In preparation for the big planting day with the students, five of the Hunter Valley Gardens horticultural team prepared the garden bed and irrigation system required to water the plants regularly.
On the day, the eager students and teachers worked with the team to plant herbs such as parsley, basil, and thyme as well as vegetables including carrots, broccoli and onions.
Ian Faulstone, Principal, Nulkaba Public School said, “These programs are vital for teaching children about healthy food sources and creating interest at an early age for ongoing participation in gardening and looking after our environment.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we’re looking forward to seeing the Hunter Valley Gardens team again in the next few weeks to assist in the maintenance of our beautiful new garden. We value their expert advice tremendously.
“For this initiative to succeed along with professional input, it undoubtedly takes the dedication of both the teachers and students and I’m very proud of what they have achieved so far.”
The Hunter Valley Gardens Horticultural team will be looking at assisting other Primary Schools in the area throughout the year as part of their giving back to local community initiatives, and encourage schools to contact the Horticultural Department at the Gardens for further information.
To find out more about Hunter Valley Gardens, visit www.hvg.com.au or call 02 4998 4000.
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