By Tanya Steele
Green thumbs can look forward to the 18th Annual Plant Collector’s Expo hosted by the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society over the weekend of March 9 and 10.
Salvias, rhododendrons, maples, perennials and more will be on display at the show in Sassafrass at 100 Hilton Road.
Member from the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Emma Moysey said the expo is for gardening enthusiasts or anybody interested in gardening in the Yarra Ranges and beyond.
“Our rare plant Expo can attract all kinds of gardeners,” she said.
“There will be a huge range of plants available, including roses, daffodils, succulents, natives, deciduous trees, perennials, salvias, rhododendrons, camellias, alpine bulbs – and many many more. Gardeners can buy up ready to plant for autumn.”
“Our own propagation stall is well stocked with parts propagated from our garden and the member’s garden.”
Now in its 18th year, the expo will host a free speakers tent for the first time and the two day plant fair will host rare plants, trees and hard to find bulbs from a variety of vendors.
“There will also be a program of speakers throughout both of the days giving short talks on specific topics including rare bulbs, growing plants from seed, and regenerative horticulture,” Ms Moysey said.
Attendees can participate in free garden tours of the Ferny Creek property itself over the weekend, giving the community a chance to see the historic horticulture site up close.
“The garden has got plants that are 100 years old and they’re still healthy and maintained and weeded,” Ms Moysey said.
Ms Moysey said that the volunteer group meet twice a week and enjoys morning tea together after their gardening sessions.
“The garden provides people with a lot of opportunity to make great friends whilst they garden and get their exercise,” she said, “we have a strong community feel.”
The Ferny Creek Horticulture Society has been active for over 90 years and has its own 10 acre property, all funds from the expo go towards keeping the garden estate maintained.
“We always welcome new members, and currently have around 350 members” Ms Moysey said.
The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society holds three flower shows and a plant collector’s sale each year.
“Our propagation stall is well stocked with parts propagated from our garden and the member’s garden,” Ms Moysey said.
Local CFA, Scouts and school students will be at the expo running the parking and a sausage sizzle and Ms Moysey said the society like to work together and often with other community groups.
“We’re proud to have the event in such a beautiful setting,” she said.
18th Plant Collectors Expo
March 9 and 10
10am to 4pm
100 Hilton Road Sassafras
10 dollar admission and kids under 14 free.
Free parking, buses welcome on arrangement
Details at: www.fchs.org.au/events/plant-collectors-sale-garden-expo/ or phone 03 8719 6924
