Meeting: Jill Holmes-Smith on Peonies
2020-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
Jill Holmes-Smith has agreed to step in at short notice and provide a presentation about the world of Peonies. Jill will also have on hand some of her plants and cards for sale. Jane Varkulevicius is unfortunately unable to make her planned presentation about pruning techniques, we look forward to hearing her speak at some time in the future.
NB: The meeting will not proceed if it’s a Total Fire Ban day.

Event: Red Hill Show
2020-03-07 08:30 - 17:00 | Red Hill Showgrounds, Red Hill Recreation Reserve, Red Hill, Victoria, Australia
Elise is the Show Steward of the Flower Pavilion of the Red Hill Agricultural Show and RHGS is happy to donate a $50 cash prize for a special entry. The flower display schedule will be advertised when it’s confirmed. Our members are encouraged to enter exhibits Including floral art. There will also be an opportunity to help sell small potted succulents on behalf of RHGS at the pavilion. Elise will keep us updated at future meetings.
To download a copy of the Red Hill Show Exihibitor Guide – Flowers, click here.

Dirk Jansen on Koala Conservation
2020-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom, Victoria, Australia
Our speaker will be Dirk Jansen from the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Land Care group. His group has two main goals: increasing awareness in the community and increasing koala habitat. 70% of koala habitat is on private land and so the koalas depend on land owners coming together to improve the situation as the small amount of public land is insufficient to maintain the population. Dirk will give us an insight into what we can do to foster the koala population around us. Further details and a link to the meeting will be provided a few days beforehand.

2020 Annual General Meeting
2020-10-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Due to the current health restrictions, this year’s AGM will be held virtually via zoom on 23 October. The zoom platform will allow you to ask questions and vote during the meeting.
The business of the meeting will be to elect the office holders and committee and to accept the President’s and Treasurer’s Reports. The Reports will be sent to you with the next newsletter.
To simplify the process we need to receive nominations for the committee before 2 October 2020 so that the names can be included in the Notice of Meeting. Proxy forms will be sent with the Notice so that members unable to participate through zoom are able to return them by mail or email before the AGM. Prior to the meeting we will send you a link to view and participate in the meeting via your computer or other device.
There are eight committee members and we meet monthly via zoom. The current members are:
· Christine Lowe – President
· Carol McPherson – Vice President
· Ann Hull – Secretary
· Elise Murch – Treasurer
· Michael Hund – Communications
· Sara Cameron-Clark
· Lee Carmody
· Annie McLennan
This year we have had to adapt our activities by making greater use of technology and the newsletter. We hope that we will be able to return to having garden rendezvous and “in person” speakers during 2021.

RHGS Cruden Farm visit
2021-02-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Cruden Farm, 60 Cranbourne - Frankston Road, Langwarrin, Victoria, Australia
Hello members – you’re invited to share an RHGS visit to Cruden Farm this Friday, 26 February. We’re gathering at the car parking area near the entry gate at 10 am. The entry fee is $10 per person.
The garden created by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch is at 60 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd (enter off Cranhaven Rd), Langwarrin. This is an opportunity to catch up and wander at leisure through the gardens. A cuppa can be purchased at the pop-up farm gate.
PLEASE BRING CASH!
We’ve been asked to help simplify administration for Cruden Farm by paying in one lot. Linda will be collecting cash from you at the entrance.
Thank you for your help with this.
ENTRANCE FEE IS $10 PER PERSON
If you plan to attend, please send a quick email to rhgs@rhgs.com.au if you haven’t already done so, we need to let Cruden know numbers.
Looking forward to having a great day out with members!!!

Visit to RBGV Cranbourne Gardens
2021-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Cranbourne Garden, 1161 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia
We hope you will join us this month to visit the beautiful Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Cranbourne.
The Australian Garden at Cranbourne Gardens is always worth a visit, not only have the gardens matured into their full glory but also the Red Sand garden has been recently renovated to update its spectacular display of native flora.
To begin the morning the Executive Director of Cranbourne Gardens, Chris Russell, will formally welcome our group and introduce (or re-introduce) the garden to you. Following Chris’ talk in the Auditorium (downstairs) we will have a delicious morning tea in the Boon Wurrung Cafe and then it will be time to enjoy a Great Southern Land tour led by knowledgeable Garden Volunteers.
RENDEZVOUS BOOKINGS: RHGS is now using a new easy way to book your ticket/s! Please click on the Eventbrite link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rhgs-garden-rendezvous-to-rbgv-cranbourne-gardens-friday-23-april-tickets-149645887879
Cost: $20 per person (plus booking fee) includes the welcome, morning tea in the Boon Wurrung Cafe and the Great Southern Land tour.
RSVP: Bookings will close at 5.00pm, Wednesday 21 April.
NB: For those who wish to tour the gardens by the Garden Explorer Hop On Hop Off bus, you may choose this option and pay for that separately at Reception.
Dietary Requirements: Gluten free options will be available, at morning tea, please advise Ann regarding any other needs by Wed 21 April, via email rhgs@rhgs.com.au
Looking forward to having a great day out with members!!!

Helen Botham - La Trobe's Cottage Garden
2021-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Victoria, Australia
Helen Botham has carried out research into garden history for the National Trust and the Australian Garden History Society and was a researcher and contributor to the Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens. Being also a member of the La Trobe Society, and founding chair of the Friends of La Trobe’s Cottage, she has a particular interest in the garden La Trobe created at Jolimont and now coordinates the La Trobe’s Cottage garden volunteer group. Her book, published in 2006, La Trobe’s Jolimont – A Walk Around My Garden uses the illustrations of Edward La Trobe Bateman to give an insight into La Trobe’s Jolimont estate and the people who lived there.
A Zoom meeting link will be sent to members a day or two before the event.

August Meeting - Dr. Peter Somerville - Improving Soil Quality
2021-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Victoria, Australia
Given the ongoing Covid restrictions, we’ve decided to convert our August 27 Meeting into an online meeting via Zoom. The presentation by Dr Peter Somerville will commence at 10am. He’ll be discussing soil quality including how to remediate compacted soil.
After the talk:
We’ll conclude the meeting with our own virtual show bench and group chat. Gather something from your garden to show everyone and enjoy a member catch up. BYO tea and coffee!
Speaker Bio: Peter studied horticulture and landscaping at Burnley Horticultural College, and while he was there he discovered a passion for academic research. Since then, he has studied garden design with Andrew Laidlaw and completed a Master of Urban Horticulture at the University of Melbourne. He’s also undertaken a PhD at the University of Melbourne examining techniques to improve degraded and compacted soils so they can better support tree and plant growth.
Prior to his career in horticulture, Peter was a rowing coach in Australia and Great Britain. He will no doubt have insights for anyone interested in the rowing successes during the Olympics.
Details for Zoom meeting in your email inbox!

RHGS Annual General Meeting
2021-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
Greetings Members,
Our AGM will be an online event again this year. You will find Committee Nomination and Proxy forms under “Resources”, “Documents”.
Members will receive an email notice in time to lodge any required forms. Members will also receive a Zoom invitation email just prior to the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you all on Zoom!

RHGS Regular Meeting 22 April 2022 @ 10 am to noon
2022-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
You’re Invited back to Mechanics Hall!
This is our first meeting back in Mechanics Hall in over two years!
Arranging this meeting has been a bit of a challenge, and there might still be a few bugs, so please be patient with us.
The Hall has seen an upgrade since we were last there, with new toilet facilities behind the hall, directly accessible out the back door.
Mornington Shire has established a new access system, we’re hopeful it works properly, fingers crossed.
We hope to see everyone there, and while we’ve tried hard to make sure all will go as planned, at least it will be an adventure!
Covid Precautions
Covid restrictions have been substantially lifted. However, while not a condition of entry, we ask that attendees were masks while inside the hall.
As a further precaution, we will also keep the doors and windows open, and since it’s expected to be only 12 or 13 degrees outside, please come rugged up appropriately.
Our speaker is John Patrick
John Patrick needs no introduction to members, having spoken to us previously, and also for his work on radio and television presenting programs relating to gardens, their plants and their history. John was a presenter on ABC’s television series Gardening Australia, and has also written extensively on gardens throughout the world, including articles in Vogue Living and The Australian Garden Journal. He has written thirteen books as diverse as Trees for Town and City Gardens and A Brief Biography of Robert Sweet. John has lectured widely in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand and has worked as a judge and consultant to garden shows and events. In 1985 he organised the opening of gardens for Victoria’s Sesquicentenary which led to his involvement in the founding of what is now Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. His knowledge of horticulture and garden history allows him to speak about the development of gardens and plants both historically and in our current context. His encyclopedic knowledge of plants and his entertaining story-telling provides interesting and instructive asides during his presentations.
Speaker Donation
John has generously provided his time to speak to us, and asks that his speaker’s fee be donated to his nominated charity. It would assist if members could provide a donation of FIVE DOLLARS CASH ONLY at the door. Once again, this is requested only of those members that are comfortable with it, and is not a requirement to attend the meeting.
John is expected to speak early in the program, hopefully by about 10:15, all going well.
Housekeeping
Tea and Coffee
As usual, tea and coffee service will be provided, and you’re asked to Bring Your Own Mug and some tasty morsels to share!
Show and Tell
Also as usual with our recent meetings, we will end the meeting with a “Show and Tell” session, where members will be invited to SHOW us the latest from their gardens and TELL us what’s been happening of interest in their gardening activities lately.
Trading Table (Cash Only)
Please bring along contributions from your garden for our trading table fundraiser – cuttings, potted plants, bulbs, produce, flowers all welcome. A $2 donation for each purchase.
Raffle (Cash Only)
We’ll have raffle tickets for sale, please bring some smaller denomination notes or coins to join in the raffle, another fund raiser supporting our activities.
Member Badges
We should have a few unclaimed badges for members who ordered but have not collected their badges. New badge orders can also be made.
And a reminder to Wear Your Name Badges!

Garden Rendezvous - Jo Oates' Garden
2022-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 | 267 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, 267 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, Australia
Jo and Geoff have very kindly invited us to visit their garden at 267 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South on Friday 23 Sept 2022 from 10 am. (Next door to Port Philip Estate winery.)
We’ll be car pooling from the Mechanics Hall at 9.45am to minimise parking issues. Traffic guides will assist at the property.

RHGS Annual General Meeting
2022-10-28 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
AGM Guest Speaker: Penny Woodward is one of our popular speakers and she will talk about ‘My life of gardening and writing’. Penny’s much sought-after practical books on herbs, tomatoes, garlic and pest repellent plants will also be on sale.
AGM Committee Reports and elections will also take place at this meeting.
Morning Tea: Please bring your contribution to morning tea table to share, plus your own mug for tea or coffee
Don’t forget: To bring your contributions of produce and floral art to display, some coins and small notes for the Raffle and there will be Trading Table items to purchase!
Membership Dues: Your 22/23 memberships are now due. As explained by the Secretary previously, they remain unchanged at $20. If you haven’t already paid, please feel free to bring $20 with you in an envelope with your name on the outside and give directly to the Treasurer, Linda.

Committee Meeting
2023-03-20 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-04-24 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-22 16:00 - 18:00
Regular committee meeting

RHGS Member Meeting
2023-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
This is our regular monthly meeting. This month we’ll be hearing from Claire Dash.
So 200 acres of land on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula isn’t big in farming terms. But the contribution that 200 acres could make to community and environment now and for future generations is beyond huge!
Clair Dash has been running Cherry Road Flower Farm since 2020 just down the road in Red Hill and needed some more space for her growing business. Clair will talk about the Uncommon Folk farm, and the businesses that operate there. Clair will also talk about the business of flower growing!

RHGS Garden Rendezvous
2023-04-14 10:00 - 12:00
We will meet in the garden of member Alex Castles – further details will be provided prior to the event.

RHGS Member Meeting
2023-04-28 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
This is our regular monthly meeting.
Vasili Kanidiadis (better known as Vasili) will be a special guest speaker. A small donation to help with costs will be welcome.

RHGS Member Meeting
2023-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
This is our regular monthly meeting.
We will be welcoming Julie Prent again. She last spoke to us via Zoom during the Covid 19 pandemic. We look forward to Julie speaking about Perennials, amoung other things. More details soon.

Meeting Friday 19th February.
2024-02-23 10:00 - 12:00 | 267 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, 267 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, Australia
Speaker from Chooktopia Composting Community
Further details www.chooktopia.com.au
Note link to Mornington Peninsula Shire rate payers for a part subsidy for some products.

March 2024 Meeting
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
We will be meeting again in the Red Hill Mechanics Hall this Friday at 10am. This week we will have a presentation and demonstration of the Japanese art of Ikebana. Ikebana is about finding beauty in all of nature and expressing that admiration through the use of flowers, branches and leaves with a minimal number of blooms. Our speakers are highly regarded experts in the field, Toula Karanikolopoulos and Betty Karanikolopoulos.

We will also be having our usual Trading Table and raffle. We would also love you to bring anything from your garden for our display table.

Please BYO cup as usual for morning tea and a small plate to share.

Meeting and AGM
2024-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | The Mechanics Hall, Mechanics Road, Red Hill South, Victoria, 3937, Australia
We will be meeting this Friday in the Red Hill Hall to hear a speaker from Fytogreen. Fytogreen is based in Somerville and they describe themselves as green infrastructure specialists. They design, build and install green walls, green roofs, planter boxes and floating wetlands. I suggest you take a look at their website https://fytogreen.com.au if you would like to know a bit more.
We will also be conducting our Annual General Meeting so hope you can be there.
We have a tradition of exhibiting flower arrangements, flowers and pot plants as part of our normal meeting, so if you have something in your garden you would like to bring along, please do.
We will also have the usual raffle and trading table and would welcome contributions to the table. The funds raised help with the activities of the Society. Some cash might come in handy if reception for our tyro machine fails.
Morning tea will follow the speaker – so don’t forget to put your BYO mug in the car and please bring a small plate to share.

RHGS Dandenong Ranges Gardens Tour
2024-10-25 08:30 - 17:00 | Cloudehill and DRBG, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, Victoria
Hurry – only two places left as of Sunday 29 Sept

RHGS is pleased to offer our members an opportunity to enjoy guided tours and a lunch at two of the premier gardens of the Dandenong Ranges, Cloudehill Garden and Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, both just outside Olinda.
We will leave by bus from the car park at Red Hill Showgrounds, Red Hill, promptly at 8:30 am, and travel first to Cloudehill, arriving about 10am. We will be met there by guides who will take us through the garden, and provide history and information about plantings and maintenance of the garden. This will be followed by lunch at Seasons Restaurant at 12 o’clock, included in the tour price. The included lunch is two courses – main and dessert, and tea and coffee, we will order at the restaurant.
You may also take advantage of visiting the nursery and Digger’s Garden Shop at Cloudehill.
After lunch we go back to the bus and down the road towards Olinda to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, famous for their rhododendrons. We will be treated to a guided tour of the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda designed by Phillip Johnson and Wes Fleming. They will both be available as guides to take us around this first ever Australian winning entry to the Chelsea Flower Show. We will have an opportunity to visit the rest of the Botanic Garden self-guided. In addition, the Cloud Forest Garden is a new resilience planting of Queensland Rainforest plants, and this will be available to be seen as well.
We will return to the bus and depart DRBG at 3:30 pm for a planned arrival back at the Showgrounds, Red Hill at approximately 5 pm.
Members only
This event is part subsidised by RHGS member funds, and is limited to RHGS members only.
Self-drive option
If you would like to join our event tours with guides and the lunch, but not join the bus, that’s allowed. Simply register as normal, and indicate you will self-drive. There is no discount for self-driving. You must register each person involved.
Cloudehill Accessibility
Due to the incline of the property, there is very limited access to the garden for wheelchairs and walking frames. The Diggers Garden Shop and Seasons Restaurant and its deck do have disability access, and both car parks have a designated disability parking bay. However there are steps from the Diggers Garden Shop into the garden and also steps between the many gardens within Cloudehill.
Cloudehill has been made on the side of a mountain and there are steps between the various gardens throughout. We have made these to be as comfortable as possible and upper flights also have handrails.
DRBG Accessibility
Due to its location, shape and topography, accessibility at the garden can be challenging. The site has one entry/exit and extends approximately 1.5km to its furthest point. While the main paths are wide with sealed surfaces, some sections are steep and many of the minor paths are gravel.
The return walk from Serenity Point has some long and steep uphill sections. Allow plenty of time to visit this garden or stay close to the areas nearest the gift shop. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended.
Note to Digger’s members
If you’re a Digger’s member, we will receive approximately a $10 discount. Since RHGS is subsidising this event, the discount would assist to defray our costs. You will be asked to provide your Digger’s membership number as a checkout option.
