Leongatha Daffodil & Floral Show continues to delight

GREAT quality exhibits delighted organisers and attendees at the Leongatha Daffodil & Floral Show which opened on Thursday afternoon at the town’s Memorial Hall.

Show Secretary Sue Thompson remarked that along with entries from Horticultural Society members, an increasing number of other gardeners are taking part and helping the event to thrive.

Leongatha Horticultural Society’s enthusiastic committee and other members who volunteer are also crucial to the Show’s success as is the support of sponsors.

Milly & Romeo’s of Koonwarra is this year’s main sponsor and a long-term supporter of the event, with one of its directors Maria Stuart on hand at the opening to announce Ms Thompson as winner of the Champion Daffodil prize.

Holding her winning flower, a Tasmanian-bred ‘Raun’ variety, she explained how it ended up at the Memorial Hall.

“I was picking Camellias and saw that and put it in a bottle,” she said of the successful entry, the Daffodil having been selected on Thursday morning.

John Dettmann of Riddells Creek had the honour of judging the daffodils, a responsibility he clearly enjoyed.

“It went well today and there are a number of good growers down here and it’s good growing country,” he said noting that combination ensures high-quality flowers and bulbs.

“We love being part of the community and helping keep something so precious going,” Ms Stuart said of Milly & Romeo’s ongoing support of the Show.

While happy with the growing number of entries from non-member gardeners, Leongatha Horticultural Society President Shirley Turton said anyone is most welcome to join.

Sue Wilkinson of Inverloch is keen to do so.

“I came last year and admired it; I’m in my happy place,” she said of the Show.

Kilcunda’s Kris Ruby and Lyndall Jonas of Cowes were others relishing the event.

“We come every year; this is a treat,” Ms Ruby said, the pair being members of the San Remo Garden Group.

With people already enjoying a spectacular variety of plants, flowers, artworks, photos and other splendours, Member for Monash Mary Aldred announced, “It is my privilege and honour to declare the Show officially open.”

That followed her acknowledgement of President Turton, her committee and other volunteers who have invested many hours in preparing the event, Ms Aldred also commending the businesses that support it.

She touched on the importance of the Show to the community, describing it as “an iconic event for South Gippsland,” and reflecting on its rich history and that of Leongatha Horticultural Society.

Ms Aldred praised the “care and craftsmanship that goes into many of the flowers on display”.

South Gippsland Shire Mayor Nathan Hersey backed those sentiments, labelling the Show “an incredible display of skill, expertise and understanding of plants”.

He contrasted the abundant colour on display with his current “mud pit” garden.

Cr Hersey commented on the contribution of Ms Thompson as Show Secretary in tackling the challenges of coordinating such an event and ensuring everything is displayed appropriately.

Various local organisations such as the Leongatha Branch of the Embroiderers Guild took the opportunity to show what they have to offer, adding to the spectacle of the event.

With a couple of plant stalls operating, many attendees seized the chance to add to their gardens, with cut daffodils also available.

The event runs until 5pm on Friday and from 9am until 4pm on Saturday, entry costing just $5 with children admitted for free.