The local group turns 50 this week, however their planned birthday celebration has been postponed until October, hopefully when the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Current president Lyn Nash said the club had their first meeting on April 14, 1970 at Phillip Norman Hall Scone at 8pm.

"This meeting was attended by 21 people and it was agreed that the club be called The Upper Hunter Garden Club," Lyn said.

"Subscriptions were 50c single and 75c double.

"In the early years the club had similar activities to the present club... enjoying each others gardens, interesting guest speakers, demonstrations and trips away.

"Some of the first topics were on gladioli, chrysanthemums, herbs, fertilisers and their effects on the soil, and a rose pruning demonstration."

Lyn said numbers have fluctuated over the years and the club currently has over 65 financial members.

"Our club members are all ages, male and female, and are mostly semi retired or active retirees," she said.

"We are a friendly group with a common interest, that being a love of gardens. We meet to learn and share knowledge.

"Some of our members have small gardens with only a few pot plants; while others have huge lawns with mostly trees and not much garden as such and others are trying to be self sufficient with their vegetable gardens and lead a more sustainable life."

The group has been trying to alternate between having a local meeting and an away meeting, however because of the drought members haven't wanted to have their gardens open for public viewing, understandably.

They look forward to their day trips away and sometimes hire a TransCare bus.

"A couple of our members volunteer at the Scone Tourist Information Centre. They maintain a section and keep it looking beautiful all year round," Lyn said.

"We give a yearly Garden Club Award to a student at Scone Public School.

"We have Coins For Charity. These coins with donations have seen our club donate hundreds of dollars to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

"Our members collect Lids for Kids which are made into prosthetic limbs for children in third world countries as well as buddy seats in schools, public places and tables and chairs for preschools.

"Last year our club supported Lauren and Ben Taylor in their fundraising effort or the Chris O'Brien Foundation. Their mother Diane was a much loved member of our club and we donated $1,000 in her memory.

"At our meetings we have bring and share morning tea, raffle, lucky door prize, trading table, as well as flower and photos of the month."

Before coronavirus appeared, 2020 was shaping up to be another busy year.

"In January we held a two day Mosaic Workshop under the guidance of artist Leanne Ward," Lyn said.

"This workshop was made possible due to funding received from a Cultural Activity Grant through the Upper Hunter Shire Council.

"Many beautiful projects were created and everyone went home with the knowledge and skills to further their artistic pursuits.

"Our February guest speaker was Ian Hook. Ian has a passion for the under rated bromeliad and many members were able to purchase from his vast variety."

The club's March meeting was held at "Blairmore House" in Aberdeen.

Rhonda Fry is the current custodian and she spoke on the trials of establishing a community vegetable garden in Aberdeen.

Well known Muswellbrook photographer, Roger Skinner, showed the group how to photograph flowers using iPhones, and how to print some of these photos off.

Anyone not interested in this workshop was able to amble at leisure and admire the immaculate laws and beautiful garden.

At the meeting it was agreed to postpone the club's 50th birthday celebration which was scheduled for April 15 at the Scone Bowling Club until Wednesday, October 21, 2020, because of the threat of COVID-19.

"We have a responsibility to our members and the community," Lyn Nash explained.

"Many of our members fit into the vulnerable age bracket."

More information on the event will be released at a later date.

Scone & District Garden Club's motto is "friendship through gardens" and new members are always welcome.