Originally commissioned by then Wingham Chronicle journalist in charge, James Law, the column was to be an expression of George's passion for gardening and plants and the people and places associated with everything horticultural.

Over the years George has given the readers tips and advice on home gardening, often using his large Killabakh property as an example.

Successes and failures in the veggie patch, rethinking the cottage garden, the importance of good structure and the delights of potted colour.

George has also shared the joys and stresses of opening his garden to the public, hosting charity days which to date have raised over $50,000.

Without a doubt, the most talked about subject of any gardener is the weather and George has certainly mentioned it once or twice in his column.

Over the past decade the region has seen flooding, drought, bushfires, wild winds... the list goes on!

All have an impact on our gardens and our approach to gardening and George has experienced them all, sometimes all in one season.

George's role as president of The Garden Clubs of Australia takes him across the country, attending garden related events in all states.

Highlights he has shared with us have include glorious autumnal gardens in the Adelaide Hills and NSW's Blue Mountains, West Australian wildflowers, Queenland's tropical splendour and the magnificent Melbourne Flower and Garden Show.

George often shares the activities of his local Killabakh Garden Club, of which he was President for 15 years.

Monthly meetings, visits to local gardens and trips away are all reported on.

In recent years highlights included a wonderful two-week trip to New Zealand, taking in the Tarranaki Garden Festival and many other famous attractions.

Some of his most popular columns have covered his regular overseas trips, which always include dozens of magnificent and interesting gardens.

Gardens right across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal have all featured, with his favourite being the glorious Great Dixter Gardens in East Sussex, England.

The great flower shows of Britain have always been a mecca for garden lovers and George routinely plans his trips around these spectacles, sharing with the readers their delights, particularly the most famous of them all - Chelsea Flower Show.

"Over the last 10 years I have had the pleasure of seeing some glorious gardens, meeting some fascinating garden folk and getting my hands dirty in my own plot," said George.

"I have loved sharing these experiences and travels with other garden lovers through my gardening column!

"I never set out to write a 'how to garden' column - there are plenty of books, garden shows and the internet for that.

"I just wanted to share my passion and enthusiasm for gardening," he said.

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