With mild weather and the opportunity to view the gardens now only every second year, interest in the eight local gardens was strong.

Visitors started at the community gardens, checking out the work of the many members, and made their way through a selection of

Each garden offered something different for those looking for inspiration for their own garden, from succulent arrangements, to formal and rose gardens, to shady open lawns out of town.

And each raised funds for a charity chosen by the garden owner, including CanAssist, Sunshine Club, Multiple Sclerosis, Lions Club, Rotary, Police Legacy and Angel Flight.

Forbes Horticultural and Garden Club president Tup Drabsch said the feedback on the event had been very good and it appeared numbers were on par with previous years.

Some 160 people enjoyed lunch by Rotary in the shade at the Mallicks' property.