The next lecture is scheduled to take place at the Scone Arts & Crafts Hall in Kingdon Street, Scone, on Tuesday, June 9.

Doors open from 6pm and the talk starts at 6.30pm sharp. Cost is $25, students $15.

The lecture will be followed by a light supper.

Scone ADFAS Inc secretary Robin Bragg said Mr Bligh was well-known as one of the most experienced and qualified garden designers in the nation.

“During the past 30 years, he has been personally involved with the design of more than 3000 gardens located throughout rural and metropolitan Australia,” she said.

“Based in Goulburn, Michael’s practice has been involved with some of Australia’s finest gardens.

“A growing number of these gardens are regularly visited by such groups as the Australian Garden History Society and the National Trust; with over 45 chosen as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme.

“Examples of significant gardens the practice has been involved with include Greenbriar Park near Mittagong, Talgai Homestead (Toowoomba), Tahara South (Wagga Wagga) and Leylandergreen (Bowral).

“A number of his gardens have been featured in magazines such as Belle, Highlife, Landscape Australia, Trend and the Italian magazine, Abitare, which is sold throughout the world.

“Michael lectures widely throughout eastern and outback Australia on various aspects of garden design, is a former executive committee member of the Australian Garden History Society, a corporate member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, a former deputy chairman of the ACT/Southern NSW branch of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and is Chairman of The Friends of Riversdale, a National Trust property at Goulburn.”

Mrs Bragg said Mr Bligh’s lecture would explore the relationship between the basic elements of art and garden design.

“He’ll make clear what an opportunity the garden provides to express ones artistic and creative ability: the use of colour, form and texture of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants; the integration of sculpture and ornamentation such as a bench seat, a sundial, an urn, bird-bath or dovecote to draw focus and to add interest; and the incorporation of structures such as a pergola or arbour, a gazebo or pavilion and even the house to ensure a harmonious whole,” she said.

“It’ll apply to both country and town gardens, although there will be an emphasis on country gardens.”