This year’s NERAMble, invented and organised by the Friends of the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) group, will be in the garden of the historic Chevy Chase property on Dangarsleigh Rd, on the outskirts of Armidale.

Garden fan and chairwoman of the group’s fundraising committee, Lynne Walker, says the NERAMble not only showcases gardening “but also many other art forms, in a celebration of the arts”.

“I think it is a wonderful outing for all the family and their Easter guests to visit one of the New England’s significant historic gardens. It is rarely open to the public and this opening is at the height of the New England autumn,” Mrs Walker said. 

“Chevy Chase was originally part of Gostwyck, one of the largest pastoral runs in the New England region, taken up by Edward Gostwyck Corey in 1832. 

“Two years later it was sold to the Dangar family, and in 1905 Alfred Perrott purchased some of the land. 

“The building of the homestead was begun in 1908 and was finished in 1911 by local builder Mark Roberts, who is better known for his building of St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Armidale.

“Ever since the Perrott family sold the property it has had a number of owners, and during that time the house has been beautifully restored.”

New owners Corinne Arter and Phil, Mia and Izzy Emmanuel have completed that restoration work and are now turning their attention to the property’s large garden, which will provide a wonderful backdrop to the many artworks and extra attractions.

There will be an art exhibition by local artists, with an emphasis on botanical and floral works, plus a stall featuring flora and fauna-themed products from the NERAM shop.

All artworks will be for sale.

Scattered around the garden will be a display of sculptures provided by 17 local artists and all for sale. 

“More local artwork, including local pottery and photographic cards, plus a second-hand gardening book and magazine stall, will be extra features, along with an autumn harvest stall,” Mrs Walker said. 

“Another popular stall will be the pre-loved jewellery and scarf stall.”

Plants will be supplied by a perennial nursery from Glenrock at Tenterfield, and there will be David Austin roses on sale.

Teas and lunches will be available. Entry is $8 per adult and free for children under 18.

Proceeds will go to the New England Regional Art Museum, which is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. 

To reach the garden from NERAM in Kentucky St, drive east and turn right into Dangarsleigh Rd. The Chevy Chase gate is 6.7km on the left (follow the NERAMble signs).