Of the hundreds of works on display at Rosby for the 2018 Sculptures in the Garden, the metal and stone pieces captured my imagination most of all. On display last weekend, in one of the Mudgee area’s major annual events, here is a selection of my favourites.

“Jumpy”, by Edward Wilson, was full of springtime energy, despite being made of grey and white granite.

Rich metallic lustre gleamed from “Homage to Malpass”, by Jim Cross, created from copper, brass and bronze.

Acid-yellow euphorbias reflected the day’s bright sunshine.

The organic form of “Modern Man” by Edward Wilson made this smoothly polished granite sculpture irresistible.

A lazy kangaroo, “Jack Thompson”, by Matt Hill, of Melbourne, was inspired by a certain “Cleo” centrefold from 1973…

Thankfully the garden offered some lovely tranquil spaces to retreat to, when it all got too much.

There really was a sweet bronze fairy in this garden…”Urban Botanica” by Mela Cooke.

Prince Chiota’s “Elegant Horse” made from recycled metal, bursting with power and energy, seemed ready to take off at a gallop.

“InTus”, by Julie Love, made from copper riveted bronze, was inspired by the shapes of water worn shells washed up on the shoreline.

The stainless steel spheres of David Doyle’s “Pods” captured the sunlight of a perfect spring day.

The water garden also provided a tranquil retreat.

Mudgee sculptor Michael Ferris made this dramatic steel “Sphere”.

Like so many of the people there on the day, this dancing couple, made by Jenny Shea from recycled steel, was rejoicing in the arrival of spring in the beautiful Rosby garden.