Way back in 1964, a group of horticultural enthusiasts got together in what was a tiny Noosa, to form the Noosa Tewantin Garden Club.
Today, 60 years on, the group is 81-strong, and enjoying its diamond milestone in having its first-ever male president – and last Monday, a large group of members gathered at Noosa Anglican Church in Tewantin to celebrate the group’s 60th birthday in style, and with flowers … of course.
Garden Club president Len Curtis, who formerly worked in the Atherton Tablelands and has a wealth of experience, was surprised to find he was the first male club president in all these years.
“We’ve got about 81 members, with many coming from further afield,” Mr Curtis said.
“We have competitions, plant sales, and we show member around each other’s gardens.
“It’s also a good club for those who like a bit of social activity.”
He reckons he’s “a better gardener than president”, but the membership number contradicts that view – indeed, more men than ever have joined to balance the genders.
Mayor Frank Wilkie attended the anniversary event, and the special occasion hosted guest speaker Dale Arvidsson, curator of Brisbane Botanic Gardens since 2015, and who held the post of president of Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand for three years prior.
Mr Arvidsson complimented Noosa Shire on how green it felt.
“That’s the key: how lush and abundant it is,” he said.
“That’s the feel you get here. You come and the weight just comes off you, and the surrounding areas are beautiful.”
