Garden Clubs of Australia president Lorraine Emerson with dahlia grower Rodney Clarke.
Celebrations for Finley Garden Lovers Club’s 60th anniversary as an affiliate member of Garden Clubs of Australia were held on Wednesday, September 28.
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More than 80 garden enthusiasts enjoyed a day at the Finley RS Club, commencing with morning tea at 10am.
In attendance were regional garden clubs members from Kyabram, Rochester, Numurkah, Cobram and Deniliquin, along with local club members.
Celebrations started with a brief history of the Finley Garden Lovers Club by current secretary Julie Stava, going back to the club joining Garden Clubs of Australia in 1962.
There have been many changes for the FGLC since then, including venues and monthly activities - from various church halls to the current venue of the Finley Returned Services Club, and trends in table themes and judging techniques.
The first guest speaker of the day was Lorraine Emerson, who became president of Garden Clubs of Australia in 2020.
She spoke on the history of the organisation from 1950 to present, and its new Our Gardens magazine.
She encouraged members to not only read the publication, but consider contributing local editorial and what's on information in the quarterly publication.
She also gave an overview on the volunteer committee and how garden clubs benefit from membership, especially insurance coverage.
Garden Clubs of Australia president Lorraine Emerson (third from left) with Finley Garden Lovers Club certificate of appreciation recipients (from left) Anne Hawkins, Bernadette Grey and Lesley Wilson.
After lunch, certificates of appreciation were presented to three FGLC members who have “gone above and beyond in their participation in their local club”.
Anne Hawkins, Bernadette Grey and Lesley Wilson were recognised for a variety of activities, from club table and show judging, floral arranging, assisting members with all aspects new to the club and sharing a broad knowledge of gardening information.
This presentation was followed by the raffles.
Prizes included a painting by the Finley RS Club's Lita Grey, of beautiful Flanders Poppies.
There was also the popular generous tables of prizes for continuous raffles.
Equally popular was the club’s well-stocked plant trading table.
The afternoon speaker was the very well-spoken amateur gardener Rodney Clarke from Invergordon.
His passions extend from dahlias and chrysanthemums, to all things orchids.
Very generously, Rodney brought springs of orchids for every table and also had chrysanthemum and dahlia tubers for sale.
The afternoon finished with a thank you to those in attendance, and a mention of the region’s upcoming open gardens.
Thank you gifts were presented to the guest speakers.
The 60th anniversary celebration cake being cut by Marj Kable, who is one of Finley Garden Lovers Club's longest serving members.
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