Monthly Meetings

Bromeliads

Chris Baker

Chris is a research fellow at Melbourne University and member of the Bromeliad Society of Victoria.  Colorful bromeliads are often referred to as ‘plants with a bang’ so what an ideal topic for the last meeting of 2023! Chris introduced us to the intriguing world of bromeliads with...

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Begonias

Marilyn Watson

Marilyn is one of Australia’s most significant begonia enthusiasts with a huge collection, including many rare species from all over the world. Marilyn is a member of the Melbourne Begonia Society and has a deep engagement with cultivating begonias, with a personal collection of over 1000 different...

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Kevin Heinze GROW Program

Georgia Tracy

Georgia was a most engaging presenter for the Kevin Heinze therapeutic horticulture program GROW (Growing for Recreational and Occupational Wellbeing). Over forty-three years GROW has been providing a valuable gardening experience at its two centres in Doncaster and Coburg for young people with a...

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AGM and Members Lunch

Our 1979 founding member/President's photo Dorothy Laver, helped oversee the CMGC 44th AGM with a new committee elected. Many thanks to all Committee members and helpers who have assisted in a fabulous year of garden club.   Congratulations to our new Committee members.

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Orchids

John Varigos

John gave us fascinating insights into the diverse world of orchids from his specialist knowledge, research and long standing passion for these amazing flowers. He illustrated many species orchids found in all countries of the world and in every colour and shape, for example the paphiopedilum from...

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Camellias

Andrew Raper

Andrew Raper from Rhodo Glen Nurseries advised that the most important Camellia is the Tea Camellia as tea is drunk world-wide.  All Camellias originate from a small island south of Vietnam. There are 334 camellia hybrids and 34 different species of yellow Camellias. Different species...

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A Melbourne Treasure - Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens

Lynsey Poore

Ben welcomed Lynsey Poore, a volunteer guide and President of the Friends of the Botanic Gardens. Lynsey explained that Melbourne’s 38-hectare Botanic Garden is among the top five in the world for its English picturesque landscape style and has recently...

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Roses

Diana Sargent

Pat welcomed Diana and Graeme Sargeant from Silkies Rose Farm, Clonbinane. Diana outlined the growth and expansion of the family rose business and café from the original location in Kilmore to the opening of the second nursery in 1996 in Clonbinane. One of the special achievements was introducing...

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Autumn Colour in the Garden

Peter Pitman

Ben Slater welcomed Peter and Joan Pitman back to the club to share some inspirational ideas for members to create colourful autumn gardens. There was a glorious array of flowering plants and potted shrubs displayed along the front tables which Peter recommended for brightening the autumn garden...

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World of Plants

James Wall from Garden World

James Wall from Garden World Nursery entertained Club members with amusing anecdotes and informative tips from his long association with the nursery industry. He reflected on his youthful recollections of traditional seedling production by hand and commented on the changing cycles in plant trends...

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Morning Tea and Get Together.

NB - There will be no speaker

We had a lovely “informal meeting" where 32 members enjoyed fellowship, morning tea and plant stall at our club meeting room.  Thank you to the Committee for organising the extra meeting day as it was very much appreciated by those who weren’t able to get away from Melbourne for the summer break. 

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2023 PROGRAM

PROGRAM OF TRIPS AND SPEAKERS FOR 2023: Thursdays 12 Jan - Welcome Back to CMGC Meeting (no speaker) 09 Feb -  World of Plants (James Wall from Garden World) 09 Mar - Autumn Colour (Peter Pitman) 29 Mar -2 Apr - MELB. INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW 13 Apr - Roses (Diana Sargent) 20 Apr -...

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