A BURST of vibrant colours will sweep Winter aside when the Leongatha Daffodil & Floral Show hits town between Thursday August 28 and Saturday the 30th at the Memorial Hall.
Shirley Turton, president of the Leongatha Horticultural Society that runs the event, remarked that it heralds the arrival of Spring.
While much work goes into preparing for the show, the enthusiasm of the organisation’s members and a unified approach ensure a great spectacle for attendees and the smooth running of competition across a wide range of judging classes.
Sentinel-Times caught up with a few Leongatha Horticultural Society committee members, all of whom enjoy sharing the joy of gardening with others.
President Shirley has been a member for 22 years, having previously filled that role and been secretary, as well as acting as a steward at both daffodil and rose shows.
She also continues to be a keen entrant and is proud to have had many winning exhibits over the years.
However, while everyone is doing their best, fun and camaraderie are at the heart of Leongatha Horticultural Society and its shows.
“I have had so much pleasure with garden members, and all new members would be warmly welcomed,” Shirley said.
There’s guidance available to anyone wanting to enter exhibits, whether in the numerous daffodil categories, the class for other bulbs such as hyacinths, tulips and freesias, the cut flower section, camellias, floral art, photography, pot plants and a category for school entries.
Australian Plants, Cut Shrubs and Trees, and Fruit and Vegetables are other competition categories in which entrants can display their endeavours.
Those wanting to enter exhibits can do so at Leongatha Memorial Hall, between 3pm and 8pm on Wednesday August 27 and 8am and 10am the following day, with stewards there to provide guidance on the right class for their entries.
Visit leongathahorticulturalsociety.com.au/daffodil-festival to download the show schedule containing details of all entry categories.
Hard copies of the schedule are available from Hays Jewellers at 31 Bair Street Leongatha and at the Citizens Advice Bureau on the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, Leongatha.
Doors open at 1.30pm on Thursday August 28, until 5pm, with the Official Opening at 2.30pm.
Opening times for the rest of the show are 9am – 5pm Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday, with admission just $5 and children free.
Those interested in joining Leongatha Horticultural Society are encouraged to attend a meeting, held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 2pm at Leongatha’s Dakers Centre.
There’s not too much formal business during meetings, and members enjoy sharing their knowledge, showing what they have grown, listening to guest speakers and chatting over afternoon tea.
