“There are seven varieties of lotus plants,” Mrs Redman said.

“But they have to be grown separately because the weaker ones can’t compete with the stronger ones.”

Mrs Redman said the lotus are a large and delicate flower and resemble a larger and longer peony.

“They are a slightly fragrant flower and every part can be eaten,” she said.

Lotus are a tuberous plant that, unlike some plants, cannot survive if the tuberous end is snapped off. 

Mrs Redman said in some Asian religions the lotus is seen as symbolic of life.

“There’s a Buddhist saying that goes something like this: A lotus plant begins its life in a wet, muddy and dark area but as it grows it reaches out of the darkness in search of light and the light allows the beautiful flower to bloom,” she said.

These fabulous gardens at Albion Farm will be open on Sunday from 10am to 4pm to raise money for the Woodville School of Arts.

Aquatic plant experts from Wallis Creek Watergarden at Mulbring will give two illustrated talks (11am and 1pm) at Woodville School of Arts about their travels to China and other far-off places to see and collect rare and unusual lotus plants, and to get ideas about water gardens.

They will also have some flowering lotus and water plants for sale.

Members of the Hunter Region Australian-Thai Association will

perform traditional dance at noon in the hall and during the day others will demonstrate lotus-flower folding. 

Try some authentic fresh-cooked Thai food at the Lotus Garden and light refreshments will be available at the hall from 10am to 2pm.

People are also welcome to bring a picnic and explore the gardens further afield as well.