By Tyler Wright
Visitors to the Dandenong Ranges and locals alike will be able to enjoy Ferny Creek Horticultural Society’s Spring Show in Sassafras next month.
An abundance of plant varieties, including camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas will be on display during this year’s show at the society’s hall on Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September.
Judges will also view the best flower exhibits; including plant hanging baskets and a children’s section.
Publicity officer Emma Moysey said the spring show is the “highlight of the year” because of the amount of plant species in flower.
“The hall is huge and it’s brimful of flowers and perfume, and the visual display is spectacular; It’s really quite stunning,” Ms Moysey said.
“We get hundreds of visitors through for the weekend.
“Often people come up and make a day of it, and also go to the Rhododendron Gardens or the new Chelsea [Australia] Garden in Olinda, or they go to some local nurseries like Gentiana Nursery [in Olinda].”
The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society has been running for 91 years, and holds three flower shows and a plant collector’s sale each year.
Ms Moysey said the spring show is a “family friendly day,” with young people up to 15 years old able to enter their plant collections for the chance to the Judy Austin Encouragement Award and $5.
$30 will also be up for grabs for the person who wins the Ferny Creek Historical Society’s trophy and blue ribbon for Best Daffodil in Show.
“Ideally, a judge is looking for quality and perfection in the exhibits,” Ms Moysey said.
“Quality encompasses many facets including form, condition, colour and quality.
“Other factors such as size, substance and texture along with quality of stem and foliage, floriferousess, fragrance, uniformity and staging or display are also considered.”
Hancock’s Daffodils from Menzies Creek will also selling daffodils and bulbs at this year’s show.
Everyone is welcome, with a cost of $5 per person for entry and children under 14 able to enter for free.
Parking near the venue at 100 Hilton Road in Sassafras is free, with the event running from 12 noon until 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
For more information on entry requirements, visit the society’s website at http://www.fchs.org.au/
