Are you partial to pretty flowers or are in love with roses and you're looking for an easy day trip away from metro-Melbourne, then the Leongatha Rose Spectacular is for you! This may be one of Victoria's largest rose shows. Now in its forty-ninth year, the Leongatha Rose Spectacular is run by the
Leongatha Horticultural Society which was established way back in 1948. The show offers displays from miniature roses through to large cut flowers with awards for the best in a variety of categories. Imagine the sight of hundreds of beautiful roses and the combined scent of so many of one of nature's most beautiful and regal flowers. There are also plant stalls and a range of children's activities.
Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge
This event will appeal to florists, seasoned gardeners, amateur green-thumbs or just anybody who loves a pretty bloom. Exhibitors and experts will be on hand to talk with visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to have your rose questions answered or to just chat about the splendour you see before you. They choose a rose every year as the Feature Rose. For example, in 2019, it was the RSL Rose, a burgundy and amber bloom with long stems and glossy dark green leaves.
Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge
They award roses across Open, Novice and Local categories for such things as Champion Rose, Best Local Rose, Best Container of Roses, Best Novice Exhibitor, and Best Perfumed Rose.
If you're peckish, the Red Cross ladies are traditionally there, serving their signature delicious morning and afternoon teas and lunch.
Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge
The Leongatha Rose Spectacular is on the weekend of 12th and 13th November 2022 at The Dakers Centre 23 Smith St Leongatha (Leongatha Senior Citizens Centre). Entry is $5.00 for adults and children for free. For more details email:
[email protected] or visit the
Horticultural Society website.
Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge
While you're in town, why not also visit the
Leongatha Gallery? The Leongatha Arts and Crafts Society run the gallery. Besides their program of changing exhibitions, you will find a selection of traditional and contemporary local paintings and other arts and crafts. Many of the arts and crafts are available for purchase. The gallery is on the corner of McCartin Street and Michael Place, Leongatha, opposite the Post Office, in the historical building of the former shire offices. Admission is free and they are normally open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm. You can contact them on 03 5662 5370 or by email
[email protected]
Photo copyright Gayle Beveridge
You might also like to take a look at the historical statue of Lennie Gwyther and Ginger Mick at Centenary Park on the corner of Anderson Street and McCartin Streets, Leongatha In 1932, when Lennie was only nine years old he rode his horse Ginger Mick from Leongatha to Sydney to see the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can read this touching story of this amazing boy and his horse in the Weekend Notes article
Leongatha's Lennie and Ginger Mick by Paula McManus.
Leongatha is in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges in dairying country and is an easy day trip from Melbourne at only one hour's drive from Cranbourne along the South Gippsland Highway.
