The festival commenced with Ceane Towers performing a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony in Pioneers Park.

On the weekend of September 8 and 9 performances included the The Heathens - a community choir based in Blackheath which was established in 2009 by esteemed musical director, accompanist, and arranger Christine Wheeler.

Flamenco dancers from the school of Veronica Gillmer appeared with live musicians and they were followed by the exciting rhythms of Ghawazi Caravan Belly Dancers.

The lovely home, Silver Birches was transformed into an art gallery with artworks for sale.

There will be nine gardens open again on September 15 and 16, some private, some public and this includes three big country gardens.

The gardens are going to be looking even better than last weekend as more and more daffodils have come out.

There is an all-day barbecue and a variety of musical entertainment including Flamenco dancers, choirs and pipe bands.

There are activities for children and the heritage walk will take you around Pioneers Park with its exhibition of sculptures.

Garden entry funds support charities in the Lithgow district and since 2002 Daffodils at Rydal has donated $181,576. This year it is going to Drought Relief.

An entry fee of $10 for adults takes you to all the gardens and events. On arrival go to the Rydal Railway station to buy you entry band and get a detailed list of the day’s activities.

For more information about Rydal and to download a brochure go to www.rydal.com.au or call 0438 831 248 or 0448 542 848.

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