The sunny, spring-like weather brought Bairnsdale Garden Club members out with a wonderful array of flowers to the August 20 meeting.
The exhibition bench was full of stunning camellias and daffodils and other colourful flowers, with members waiting to see if their special plant was worthy of some points.
Points are awarded for first and second place and a point for entering.
The person with the most points for the year is awarded the Sinclair Goodman Trophy and the member who has the most points in the members’ choice competition receives the Claude Harrison trophy at the annual general meeting in July.
A beautiful hall table arrangement by Jan Kelly won first prize in the floral art section. The club congratulated all who entered the various sections with some newer members having success with their entries.
August sees the awarding of the champion camellia and champion daffodil. Jean Schrader won the daffodil award and was presented with the lovely Mathieson Trophy by President Tricia Schlitz for her long, trumpeted, bright yellow daffodil.
Sharon Ward won the Sheehan Family trophy – a beautiful silver tray – with a stunning camellia in various shades of soft pink.
Sharon and her award will be featured next month.
THE MATHIESON TROPHY
Mr Stan Mathieson was an early member of the society and was a keen daffodil grower for many years. He donated a trophy for the Champion Daffodil at the society’s meetings.
On his death in 1958, his son Richard continued the practice. The trophy was much sought after, always an attractive plate depicting flowers, usually daffodils.
On Richard Mathieson’s death in 1975, the society asked his wife, June, for permission to purchase a perpetual trophy in his memory and the Mathieson Trophy for Champion Daffodil came to be.
New president Tricia Schlitz, ably assisted by her team, conducted a warm and friendly meeting and was pleased to welcome some new members and also a former member.
She introduced the guest speaker and her therapy dog and members were delighted to listen to this interesting speaker – Linda Wilkinson, a dog trainer.
Linda spoke about her voluntary work with Bairnsdale Hospital and nursing homes each week, when she takes her dog, Lucy, to visit the sick and elderly.
Linda was instrumental in setting up this fantastic program where dogs can provide some love and comfort to patients and clients.
To be included in the program, both the owner and dog have to meet a strict criteria so that every one is comfortable and safe.
Some members were quite emotional at times as Linda related some reactions to Lucy’s visits.
There are about four dogs currently participating in the program.
The September 17 meeting will be at two members’ homes in West Bairnsdale, as the usual venue is not available.
There will be a trading table and a demonstration of battery operated gardening tools.
A short distance away, at another member’s garden, a talk on succulents and cacti will occur, which will also be an opportunity to purchase some plants.
The October 15 meeting will return to St Mary’s Parish Hall, via McDonalds Carpark.
The club looks forward to welcoming more new members and some gardening advice and outings in the future.
Guest speaker Linda Wilkinson and her therapy dog, Lucy.
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