Judges impressed at garden show

LEADING up to this year’s Creswick Flower and Homecraft Show it rained, it hailed and just occasionally the sun shone – but nothing was going to deter amateur gardeners and crafty creators to enter their prized exhibits.

Show Secretary Leanne Murray said that while the weather was fresh and damp, it was fantastic to see so many people supporting the plant stall, which was doing exceptional business.

“There’s a group of Creswick Garden Club members who work together to put on this annual event,” she said.

“Even though the weather has been against us, we’re thrilled at the number of people making purchases, asking questions and showing a real interest in what the club is about.”

Three sets of judges had the difficult task of tasting, observing and assessing with a critical eye to ultimately award prizes to the best in show.

Ann Marston and Alison Hull tasted and tested the preserves, checking for flavour and consistency of setting and both declaring that the gin and passionfruit preserve was outstanding.

Lesley Cowan reviewed the crafts, including quilting, knitting and stuffed toys. She said that the standard was certainly up this year and the best she had seen. Her role was to check on the fine skills of stitching, presentation and how well the stuffed toys – were stuffed.

Greg Block, Tony McDonald and Kevin Moneghetti all agreed that given the inclement weather leading up to the show each exhibitor had brought out the best of their floral arrangements, displaying good quality and freshness, with some outstanding exhibits. They said it was pleasing to see the inclusion again of primary schools, as the future of the planet was with these young people and it was very important to engage with them at an early age.