“AM I mad or what?” says “CityNews” gardening guru Cedric Bryant of his decision to open his Watson garden to the public in the middle of winter.

“Nobody in their right mind opens their garden in winter with bare trees and little else,” he says.

“However, one can more readily see the structure of a garden in winter, the focal points, the use of mirrors –  things that don’t rely on a lot of greenery.”

He says the structure of his backgarden is inspired by the design of Canberra by Walter Burley Griffin, with a central circle and paths radiating out towards focal points, such as a water feature urn, within the space.

Cedric also confesses to a love of “throwaway things”, such as salvaged gates and old mirrors that find a home in his garden of several small “rooms”, like the orchard (with winesap apples and buerre bosc and packham pears) and washing-line room, with lavender thoughtfully planted below the line so the laundry will brush against it and pick up the scent.

“As well as seeing the framework of the garden and how it was designed and planted, people will be able to admire little details like the beautiful bark of the silver birches,” he says.

“I like to plant in threes or fives, because it looks more natural, but I planted four silver birches thinking that one would likely die, but they all thrived, shattering the principles of feng shui!”

Cedric’s garden will be open on the weekend of June 18-19, and there will still be plenty to see as he has planted for year-round colour and interest.

“Early bulbs will be appearing and depending on the weather, there might be daphne in flower,” he says.

“The clematis napauliensis produces particularly gorgeous small flowers and they’ll be out in force,” he says. “The jonquils might also be out.

“And along the back wall, the screen of camellia sasanque herigu, which is drought and frost hardy, flowers all winter and will be absolutely beautiful.

“I love whatever season I’m in at the time,” he says. “But I do like winter better than summer. I’d much rather a good frost in the morning, followed by a warm day where you can have lunch in the garden.”

Cedric Bryant’s garden, 5 Burnside Street, Watson, open 10am-4pm, Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. Entrance is $5 each, children under 16 free.