Community & Business
8 May, 2026
Stunning gardens draw visitors
Hundreds of people came to the district to view open gardens at Jondaryan and Balgowan on the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd.
Whether it was walking over the bridge into the garden at the Kuhl property, looking out from the top of Jondaryan over the Plains at Margaret & Peter Duff’s place, or taking a moment to rest under the trees at Virginia & Greg Bond’s house at Jondaryan, there was something for every garden lover on Saturday and Sunday (May 2nd and 3rd).
The weekend event was organised by the Pittsworth-based community group Gardens of the Downs, in what was their first foray into the Oakey district since 2018.
Event organiser Penny McKinlay says the not-for-profit organisation, which is run completely by volunteers, provides a point of difference to the Carnival of Flowers by covering insurance costs.
"We charge $5, $2 for the gardener, $2 for insurance, $1 for a charity of their choice," Mrs McKinlay said.
"We do it for people to enjoy the gardens, not the money."
Mrs McKinlay said that 600 people visited each of the three gardens.
Gardens of the Downs commented that each of the gardens had their own unique character.
“Set high on the hill opposite St. Anne’s Anglican Church, (at Jondaryan, Margaret and Peter’s) garden was established by former house owner Mrs Rutledge with the help of a very good friend of (famous Australian landscape designer) Edna Walling, Jocelyn Brown.
“The planning and plantings of this garden are superb with drifts of roses, tumbling bougainvillea, walls of perennials and shrubs, all backed by the magnificent views across the plain.
“Lyn’s lovely garden (at Balgowan) is an eclectic mix of old rustic pieces and hardy garden plants including geraniums, succulents, bromeliads, bougainvilleas and many more. The Wilga trees provide a wonderful back drop and canopy for shade loving plants.
“Virginia’s garden (at Jondaryan) is a beautiful mix of native and exotic plants which cater well for the dry conditions.
“Virginia’s garden attracts many visitors including birds and lizards.
“Thank you for your generosity in opening your garden for the enjoyment of others, Virginia.”
Each of the locations was catered for by a local group - at Highland Plains, it was St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Goombungee, at Margaret and Peter Duff’s property it was St Anne’s Anglican Church Jondaryan Ladies Guild and at Virginia and Greg Bond’s house, a stall was run by long time Jondaryan State School teacher aide Julie Voll.
Penny McKinlay says Gardens of the Downs is aiming to host a second event this year in October.
"Next week, we are looking at three gardens in the Nobby area," she said.
The gardens must meet the criteria of Gardens of the Downs to be fit to hold an event, which are that the gardens must be big enough to host members of the public, beautiful enough to attract visitors and must be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The challenge is now open for three separate gardens in the Oakey region to come forward and bring this event back to the district in less than the 8 years it took for this one.
