March 31 marked a major milestone in the history of the Blackheath and District Horticultural Society - it turned 100, making it possibly the oldest society in the Mountains.
It was March 31, 1920, when a group of gardening enthusiasts held a public meeting at St Aidan's parish hall in Blackheath and decided to form the Blackheath Horticultural Society (later expanded to include those from surrounding areas).
Then Alderman Alfred Porter was elected the first president.
At a subsequent committee meeting, it was resolved to have 20 or more patrons, who would be members who had contributed one guinea or more per year to the funds of the society.
The society held two flower shows every year, the first on December 8, 1920, with another to be held in autumn. Locals were delighted to have a chance to show off the extensive variety of bulbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that flourished in the cold climate of Blackheath.
The first show made the princely sum of 32 pounds, 14 shillings and sixpence. But by 1922, the society decided to cut back to just one show a year, a tradition which continues to this day.
The show now encompasses a wide range of flowers and foliage, as well as flower arrangements, photography, cooking and craft including quilting, embroidery, knitting and woodwork.
The society's centenary Flower and Craft Show was due to be held on September 26 and 27 but may have to be postponed.
The society meets on the first Thursday of each month (except January) at the Lodge, Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Bacchante Street, Blackheath, at 10am.
They provide an opportunity to meet with fellow garden lovers and make new friends. For those new to the area it can be a wonderful way to learn about cold climate gardening.
There is a guest speaker at each meeting, covering a wide variety of horticultural subjects. There is also a mini flower show each month displaying flowers and vegetables in season, as well as an enticing morning tea.
