A bloomin’ great community group!

Words By Ken Roberts | Photos kindly supplied by Leongatha Horticultural Society

Gardens, plants and flowers have universal appeal. They can be appreciated by people of all ages. You can just enjoy looking at and smelling a lovely rose or you can be an avid collector of a particular bulb or plant, there are no boundaries! Which is why an organisation such as the Leongatha Horticultural Society is the perfect place for everyone to share and indulge in this age old passion.

Started in 1948 the Society has been a constant in the local community, as with most areas that have their own groups, and has evolved and changed over time. Beginning in1957 the Daffodil festival was a whole week in town with many different events and even a king and queen Daffodil crowned!

The modern day Society is an inviting and welcoming group of over 100 members that meets once a month to share a diverse range of information and enjoyment, all related to horticulture. It comprises members who have been involved for decades and newcomers who have just joined and is an ideal place to connect with others. The social aspect is a brilliant part of coming together. There is a wide range of expertise from certified plant judges to absolute novices and every level in between.

They meet at 2pm on the fourth Thursday of every month at The Dakers Centre (Senior Citizen’s Centre). The meetings are relaxed and are a wonderful avenue for sharing knowledge on gardening with each other. They have guest speakers and member presentations, feature a show bench, lucky number prizes and enjoy a shared afternoon tea. It’s a lovely informal gathering where members often bring along plants to share and discuss what is happening in their gardens. It’s the perfect place to pick the brains of the others about any issues or guidance needed.

As with any group, a small committee keeps the wheels turning and call upon members to participate as much as they are able to. This is especially required when the Society’s feature events, “The Leongatha Daffodil and Floral Show” and “The Leongatha Rose Spectacular” are held in Spring of each year, two of the finest horticultural events in the state.

“The Daffodil and Floral Show” not only provides visitors the enjoyment of seeing an enormous array of many plants and flowers, but it is also a serious competition for all types of plants and flowers. Not only daffodils, but other bulbs, cut flowers, camellias, cut shrubs and trees, Australian plants, floral art, pot plants, fruit and vegetable, photography and more. Such an array in one show is outstanding! Prizes and ribbons are awarded and much pride and delight is garnered by all. Visitors are amazed at the variety of daffodils on show, so many more than the standard everyday sort and some very exotic and unusual. Held over 3 days in the Memorial Hall the show is a fantastic event.

This year is the 51st year of “The Leongatha Rose Spectacular”, held at The Dakers Centre, Cnr Watt and Smith Streets, Leongatha on Saturday 16th November and Sunday 17th November 2024 and as always will showcase a magnificent array of blooms. Displays range from miniature roses to a large cut flower section with an annual Feature Roses section.

It really is a feast for your senses with the beautiful colours and gorgeous scents highlighting nature at its absolute finest. Posies and a plant stall are available at the show. The society members are always extremely grateful for the support given by the sponsors of their events and the patronage of the public. The volunteers are always warmed by the reaction of visitors to the displays, a heartwarming reward for the effort they have put in to make these events happen.

The Society run regular bus trips around the district and further afield. Past trips have included excursions to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, day trips to gardens and nurseries and three day trips to other locations. These trips are always well organised and very reasonably priced. They usually feature delicious morning and afternoon teas and lucky number prizes.

With annual membership at only $10 it’s an extremely affordable and enjoyable way to be involved with likeminded people. It’s a wonderful opportunity for learning and socialising in the “real” world in a real down to earth manner. It also retains a wholesome country feel that is heartwarming to know still exists.

Going strong after 76 years, The Leongatha Horticultural Society is a community organisation that has such a long and active history and is still a growing, modern group.

Their website www.leongathahorticulturalsociety.com.au and facebook page “Leongatha Garden Club” have up to date information on all their activities.

Bloomin’ great!

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