Inverleigh flower show to bloom

INVERLEIGH is preparing to revive its flower show, resurrecting a community tradition that dates back at least as far as early last century.

The show is being staged along with a classic country market at the Inverleigh Hotel Historic Stables and Marquee on Saturday 1 November.

Flower show committee member Lyndall Brumby said all proceeds raised from the event are being directed to the Inverleigh Progress Association and Inverleigh Hall.

Ms Brumby said that with many accomplished gardeners in the area, the community was keen to resurrect the flower show which existed many years ago.

“We think the show went as far back as at least 1906 and we think fell away in the 1980s. That’s the last one we could find, and we thought it would be a really lovely thing to bring back,” she said.

“We’ve got some really generous sponsors and hopefully it will be a success and we can bring it back as an annual event. We’re also hoping to establish a gardening club.

“It’s just another way to connect community.”

Different categories of flowers, artwork and photography are all part of the show with entries already able to be made online through the show’s website, while the committee will also be receiving entries in person as well on the Thursday and Friday before the show.

“People can do entries on the website or can bring them down on the Thursday and Friday up to 4pm and and we’ll do the entries in person,” Ms Brumby said.

Friday evening 31 October, before the show, will feature an opening night event from 6pm, while the Saturday market will include garden plants, local produce, candles, soaps, ceramics, jewellery, a bake sale by Inverleigh Playgroup, a barbecue by Leigh Valley Lions Club, and tea and scones with the Inverleigh CWA.

There’ll also be a children’s potting station, a pop-up food swap celebrating sustainability and community spirit and the chance to connect with local community groups like the progress association, historical society and Leigh District Landcare Group.

The committee is welcoming more volunteers to help stage the show.

“Whether you can lend a hand for one hour or a few, every bit of help makes a huge difference in bringing the Inverleigh Flower Show to life and we’ve got jobs for all ages and abilities,” Ms Brumby said.

More information is available by email at [email protected].