October Meeting

Tuesday 20th October 2015

Topic - Planting for Autumn Flowers

Presenter - David Van Berkel

Garden Express

This month we welcomed David Van Berkel from Garden Express in Monbulk as our guest speaker. David's father started a bulb growing business in the 1960's which has now become Garden Express, the largest mail order business in Australia, selling 1.5 million packets of bulbs annually. They have around 400 products, a staff of around 50 people and they produce five of their beautiful catalogues each year. They have a huge warehouse as well as the shop-nursery. David regaled us with several interesting stories and gave us a lot of information on what types of flowers are suitable and available for flowering in Autumn. He spoke to us about Clematis, Proteas, Gladioli, Dahlias, Clivias, Grevilleas and more. David also brought along a lovely array of plants at very reasonable prices for our members to purchase, which they did eagerly! Thank you very much David for a very informative, entertaining and enjoyable morning.

The Betty Knox Award (Best Exhibit)

There were many exhibits on display this month and the standard was very high but one exhibit stood out from the rest for its sheer elegance and beauty. It was a lovely basket of mixed flowers beautifully staged by Christine Phillips. The judges were suitably impressed and so congratulations go to Christine for a well deserved win!

Popular Vote Award

Just as the judges were impressed with Christine's basket of flowers, so too were the members. Even though there was a large array of beauty and colour this month, Christine's exhibit had us in its thrall and so Christine won both awards! Congratulations Christine - well done!