Spring flowers in full bloom

Roma McIntosh in her 'small' Warburton garden. 173781 Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

By Kath Gannaway

Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club had perfect weather for their annual open gardens weekend, attracting an average of 350 people to each of the six gardens on display.
UYVGC president Kevin Hince said the event which had been a drawcard to the valley for more than 26 years was a great success with three new gardens on the program.
While the gardens aim to showcase the diversity of gardens from native to exotic, small and large, many featured colourful spring flowering plants including camellias, clivias, azaleas and tulips.
At 95, Roma McIntosh is not only a veteran of the open gardens weekends, but a founding member of the UYVGC.
She and her late husband purchased their block in Warburton around 40 years ago with the intention to have a small garden.
“Living in an area where the soil and climate are so favourable to gardening, the garden won,” she said.
It is now a wonderland of ground covers, bulbs, shrubs, trees, including fruit trees, and a vegie patch.
The open gardens weekend is the major fund-raiser which supports the club and allows for donations throughout the year to local groups in need of help.
The club meets on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Senior Citizens Club in Warburton. Phone Kevin on 5966 2828 for information about the club.