Gardeners in for feast of secrets

Wendy Mort (pictured) is opening her beautiful home for an Open Garden fundraiser which includes a talk from gardening expert Penny McKinlay.

Bev Lacey

FOR more than 40 years, the bubbly Penny McKinlay has been imparting her vast knowledge of gardening to people all over Queensland.

On February 21 the fifth-generation Darling Downs gardener will give Toowoomba residents the chance to hear some of her top tips as part of a fundraiser for the ABC Open Gardens Scheme.

The event will take place at Wendy Mort's beautiful Trugannini Garden which surrounds an historic federation residence in the heart of Toowoomba.

Ms McKinlay, who is a well-known gardening expert on the ABC, said her talk would focus on making gardens look their best at a minimum of cost.

"I want to talk about combining things in a garden. To make it look colourful without costing a lot of money," Ms McKinlay said.

The talk is scheduled to take place between noon and 2pm, but Ms McKinlay said she planned on staying and chatting with visitors for most of the afternoon.

"They're going to need to bring a clipboard," she said this week.

Mrs Mort said she was looking forward to getting some tips on the day.

"I've always said I've got a brown thumb... but I love gardening," she said.

Tickets for the day are limited and bookings are essential. For more information or to book online visit http://www.opengarden.org.au.

The cut-off date for bookings is February 15.