The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society

History of the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society and Ornamental Gardens

Year Historic Event
1932 May - Public meeting of local citizens in Log Cabin - Recreation Reserve. Resolved to form the Sassafras and Ferny Creek Horticultural Society. For purpose of holding horticultural shows in the spring and autumn.
1936 First records of society meetings. Monthly meetings included a lecture and floral display by members
1937 Horticultural shows organised. These were often affected by drought. The late 1930's established the Society as a recognised organisation and placed us on the map.
1940s War years were difficult for the society. Membership dropped and petrol rationing further declined membership.
1947 Committee decided to move to the three shows per year in April, September and November.
1952 It was decided that the society name was unwieldly. Society now to be known as 'The Ferny Creek Horticulural Society'.
1956 Society sought 4 acres of land to be set aside from the Recreation Reserve for the formation of a garden.
1957 4 acres excised by the Lands Department for the Society to develop an Ornamental Garden,
1958 4 acres were planted and known as the Ferny Creek Ornamental Garden Reserve.
1967 Department of Crown Lands agreed to excised a further 6.5 acres. Society now has 10 acres of land.In this year decided to review possibility of buildling our own hall.
1969 Our hall was built. Cost of $30,000.00. Society funds used plus donation from members. In this year all Society shows were moved from the Recreation Reserve Pavilion, which had become too small, to our own hall.
2002 Society upgraded the kitchen to comply with Health Regulations.
2005 Toilet block was remodelled and disabled toilet was added.
2007 The society celebrated its 75th anniversary, this included the hosting of a large number of functions, including: The 'Plant Collectors Sale', and 'Down Memory Lane'. Creation of a native garden section was undertaken. The Society also recieved a $22000 grant from the Federal Government for construction of water tanks.
2009 Official opening of the water tank and pond reticulation project by Jason Wood MP.