Lorne to host gardening conference

AN ANNUAL regional gardening conference will take place in Lorne for the first time in its almost 40-year history.

About 80 attendees are expected at the 39th Annual Western Region Garden Clubs Conference, to be held at Stribling Reserve tomorrow (Saturday, August 31).

Hosted by Lorne Gardeners Incorporated, one of more than 70 gardening clubs across the state’s western region, falls under the umbrella group the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria.

Lorne Gardeners committee member Anne Sutton said the group, while relatively small in size, was excited to host such a large event in its own town with visitors already confirmed to come from regions all over the state.

“We’re pretty excited, we have people coming as far west as Portland and all over Victoria, we’ll be glad when Saturday clubs because it is a lot of work and we couldn’t be happier with the experts we have on-hand for it as well.

“It’s the first time this conference will be held in Lorne, and the first time on the Surf Coast as far as I’m aware.

“The town is just full of garden lovers and we couldn’t be more pleased to have it here this year.”

The conference will welcome a top-line panel of speakers, ranging from radio personalities to local experts.

The panel includes Michael Robinson-Koss from Otway Greening Native Plant Nursey, Van Loons Nursey and 3AW’s Heidi Martin, SBS Garden Show host Vasili, landscape architect Perry Mills, author, photographer and artist Lorraine Phelan, and former Angair president Sally White.

Ms White said the event will be a great opportunity to network with other gardeners and florists to discuss all the latest tips and tricks.

“I have to admit I feel like a bit of a fraud, given I’m more of a bush manager than a gardener, but don’t get me wrong; I feel honoured to feature in the panel.

“I love getting out into the community to discuss the importance of weeding and the work we do at Angair.

“I’m happy to be doing it and rest assured, the focus of my speaking will be related to weeds and what we’re trying to remove here on the Surf Coast.”

The Lorne Gardeners are also hosting an activity event at its community garden on Sunday morning, which the community is invited to attend.

The conference will run tomorrow from 9am to 4pm.

For more information, email [email protected].