Bairnsdale Garden Club was host for this year’s annual conference, which was held at Club Eastwood.
More than 115 gardeners from Gippsland gathered to share ideas, catch up and spend the morning viewing local gardens.
With many people downsizing, three
gardens were selected for conference
members to view and glean new ideas; it showcased how you can still have an extensive garden with lots colour and full of plants but still within a smaller footprint.
The home owners had created exceptional gardens that were filled with a large variety of plants and design, yet still maintained their individuality and creativity.
They had quirky artwork and unique gardens that reflected their owners design talents.
On returning to the venue members enjoyed an excellent and tasty luncheon which then led into the afternoon programs.
CELEBRATING 135 YEARS
Bairnsdale Garden Club president, Robyn Johnson, gave an overview of Bairnsdale Garden Club operations over the years as it celebrates 135 years within the community.
When the club first began in 1889 it was known as the Horticultural Society and it was actively involved in providing and planting trees in the Main Street gardens.
Over the years the society hosted many spring, autumn and general flower shows and in 1940 they were asked to help out with the Lord Mayor’s Funds for Melbourne.
A great collection of flowers, autumn leaves and berries were collected from members and citizens and packed into four large cartons and sent down to Melbourne by train.
With the war still continuing it was decided to recess the club activities and resume shows and exhibits later on.
The society was very community minded and each month flowers from the club’s meetings were taken to the hospital for patients and staff to enjoy.
Members were also invited in 1970 to go to Orbost and Lakes Entrance to help them in setting up new groups there.
In 1973, even though it was a drought year the society pushed ahead with establishing a rose garden in the Main Street that is still enjoyed today.
In 1978 the society was instrumental in having the ‘Callistemen Citrinus’ adopted as the City of Bairnsdale’s floral emblem.
The centenary year came along in 1989 with flower shows and a centenary dinner was held with local dignitaries and members in attendance.
Sinclair Goodman, a senior life member was asked to plant a Californian Redgum tree in the main street opposite St Mary’s Church which is still there today.
Very few organisations can boast reaching these milestones with the Agricultural Society being the only other group in Bairnsdale, a few years older.
Members then enjoyed the guest speaker for the day, Phil Neilsen, who gave an informative and witty talk about his family’s wholesale plant nursery that has spanned the years within Bairnsdale and District, as well as coping with the changing face of marketing and the impact of COVID on his business.
Members were impressed with the diversity and challenges the company has adapted to and move towards the productive business they have created.
The floral arrangements for the stage and front entrance were created by Dorothy Elleray, Joan Knight and Sandy Turvey and added to the ambience of the venue.
Later, fun was had by all as they held the day’s raffle prizes with lots of laughter and surprises with the prizes donated by many of the local Bairnsdale businesses and individual members.
At the end of the day members left for their journey home loaded up with plants and gifts to end a successful day.
The club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm at St Mary’s hall behind the church.
