Get digging at the gardens

THE City of Greater Bendigo’s annual Tulip Dig will take place next week.

The event, at the Conservatory Gardens, gets underway at 9am on Thursday 7 November.

City parks and open space manager Chris Mitchell said the Tulip Dig was popular among gardeners keen to secure some bargain-priced bulbs to display in their own gardens.

“Due to the popularity of this event there will again be a four-bag limit, with bags supplied by the City on entry at a cost of $5 per bag,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It is a cashless event with payment by eftpos only.

“Only small hand trowels and digging tools are permitted to retrieve bulbs as City staff will pre-loosen the soil in the garden beds.

“Therefore, no shovels or hoes can be brought into the gardens for safety reasons on the day.”

Mr Mitchell said big crowds of people of all ages are expected, and the City is asking all participants to show respect for others when digging for bulbs.

Aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated, he said.

A number of pre-bagged tulip bulbs also will be available for purchase from the City’s Heathcote Customer Service Centre on the same day, for $5 a bag. A limit of one bag for each person will apply there.

The main condition to be aware of is that no bring-your-own bags will be allowed. The bags provided by the City upon entry are the only ones permitted.

About 250 people took part in last year’s dig.