Murchison’s Garden Club’s 75th annual Spring Flower Show not only beautified the recreation centre last month, but will now look to add beauty to the main street, with funds raised being used to install new raised garden beds beside Hodgson’s store.
“The weather played ball for the flower show this year, which was a welcome change,” Murchison Garden Club secretary Linda Giblin says.
“The day was warm and sunny, and the Rec Centre was filled with a stunning display of vibrant flowers and floral artwork.
“In previous years, frosts, strong winds and heavy rain have played havoc with the blooms right before show time, but we escaped that this year.”
She says the show was not only enjoyed by the local community but drew other garden club members from both Westport and Reefton.
“They love to see what is blooming in Murchison because it can be quite different from what is in their own gardens, and they are always blown away by the creativity of our school and kindergarten kids.”
An annual community competition, also in late September, was a highlight, with Linda unexpectedly winning for the first time.
The theme this year was ‘Going Potty’ and Linda’s entry was titled ‘Pot Henge’.
Entries could be anything garden-pot-themed. Judge Robyn O’Malley, a Murchison Garden Club member, jeweller, metal sculptor and landscaper, judged the entries by touring the various submissions.
“Everyone put in such a lot of effort with some really creative takes on the theme,” Linda says.
“In October we have two other Garden Clubs visiting Murchison, from Picton and Tapawera. We host them by supplying morning tea and lunch and some wonderful garden visits in between. It’s fascinating to see what’s growing in other gardens and climates. We’ll be sharing information and cuttings and they both wish to reciprocate by inviting us to their gardens.”
Looking ahead, excitement is building for November’s Garden Competition, featuring categories like best town garden, best country garden, best vege garden and best feature.
