By Tyler Wright
On Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September, The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society held its Spring Show after a three-year hiatus, welcoming approximately 800 visitors through its doors.
Daffodils, camelias, early spring bulbs and perennials were on display, with show entries judged by five specialist judges from the Australian Horticultural Judges Association (AHJA).
Ferny Creek Horticultural Society secretary Eric Watson said there were more people who “spent more money than ever”.
“Spring is the time when everything comes back to life… even the conifers are getting new growth and [are] bright green, they’re [otherwise] dark green,” Eric said.
“There’s bulbs coming up everywhere, rhododendrons growing on the sides of roads in flower.
You get a real sense of coming out of the sleepiness of winter, and so it gives you a real uplift.”
Blue ribbons were awarded for most sections and trophies were awarded for specialist areas, with children encouraged to enter in various categories including the Judy Austin Encouragement Award for Best Exhibit with $5 on offer for the best display.
According to Eric, there was a mix of locals and out of town visitors exploring the show on the day, and an array of age groups and families.
“We were on Gardening Australia earlier this year and as a result of that, I believe people kept an eye out for the spring show and came from far and wide to come and have a look,” he said.
“It was great for them to be able to showcase all the work that they’ve been doing.
It’s great to have someone come around and and say, ‘oh, that looks fantastic,’ and ‘well done for the show’… we’ve got a lot of feedback like that through email and through social media.
That that gives everybody a lift. You’re not just doing it for yourself or for the society, but you’re doing it and other people are appreciating it.”
The 10 acres of Ferny Creek Horticultural Society gardens are located at 100 Hilton Road, and marked its 90 year anniversary this year.
