By Tanya Steele
The highly anticipated Plant Collectors’ Expo is returning on 8 and 9 March and promises to be one of the biggest horticultural events of the year.
The Ferny Creek Horticultural Society (FCHS) is hosting their 20th Expo for 2025 and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Secretary and Member from the FCHS Emma Moysey said the expo is for everyone, from beginner gardeners through to rare plant hunters, as well as those wanting to relax in a stunning garden.
“We have some new vendors this year, that have never sold at Ferny Creek before, and some that never sell at any other fairs, we’re really excited to see what each of our vendors will bring to our 20th FCHS PCE” she said.
This year’s expo will feature over 40 vendors and exhibitors, many of whom don’t participate in other events, including several from interstate.
“For the first time, we have a dahlia grower selling fresh cut dahlias, arranged into stunning bouquets by an incredibly talented florist – their stand will look absolutely beautiful,” said Ms Moysey.
“This expo will be our biggest ever, with over forty vendors, we will have alpine plants and seeds, perennials, rare bulbs, botanical art, garden tools and equipment, indoor plants, roses, rare and sought-after shrubs and trees, native plants, as well as plants propagated from our gardens and so much more,” she said.
“We have a number of clubs and societies coming along, including the Australian Rhododendron Society, the Salvia Study Group, and the Alpine Garden Society.”
Ms Moysey said a highlight of the annual show is the chance to wander the manicured garden where the fair will take place or take a guided tour of the society’s grounds.
“I’m looking forward to seeing people enjoying the setting,” she said.
Some plants in the garden are up to 100 years old and members have carefully curated the property.
Guided garden walks will be available on both days, led by Don Teese and Keith Ross.
These walks are a must-do for anyone wanting to get up close and personal with the beauty of local gardens in the hills.
The Ferny Creek Horticulture Society has been active since 1932 and the community group use all funds from the expo to go towards keeping the ten-acre garden estate maintained and running their other events.
Member for over ten years now, Ms Moysey said as a gardener she enjoys alpine bulbs and rhododendrons.
“The society itself is growing too – we now have over 350 members,” she said.
“We are a very active group, with working groups twice a week, specialist talks, Garden visits and our Flower shows that we run in our very own Exhibition hall,” she said.
“During the week we have up to 40 people working together in the garden overlooking some wonderful parts of the Dandenong Ranges. We are always looking for new members. All are welcome. ”
The weekend expo will feature a speaker tent, which is a show first and the lineup includes several rare plant experts, including Colin Hunt from Andy’s Rare Plants, Jane Tonkin from Tonkin’s Bulbs, Ben Brooker from Treasured Perennials, Reuben Niewesteeg from Wild Rose Nursery and Fermi de Sousa from AGS VIC Group.
The 3CR Gardening Show is also getting involved with radio host Virginia Heywood acting as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The full schedule of talks will be announced soon, giving attendees the chance to hear from experts on a wide range of topics.
For those looking to explore even more, food lovers can enjoy a variety of delicious options at the expo, including a sausage sizzle hosted by Sassafras-Ferny Creek CFA, fresh sandwiches, a coffee van, and Devonshire teas.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to shop for rare plants and gardening treasures both inside and outside on the property.
Free parking is available at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve, located on Hilton Road, Sassafras.
FCHS would like to also give special thanks to the Sassafras Ferny Creek CFA for assisting with parking and ensuring the safety of all visitors.
“We are very grateful to the Sassafras Ferny Creek CFA who will be running parking and the BBQ this year, they are a wonderful support to our Society,” said Ms Moysey.
Buses are welcome by prior arrangement.
For those worried about their plant purchases, a plant creche will be available to store your new treasures while you explore.
The event at 100 Hilton Road in Sassafras is open to all for just $10 per person, with free entry for FCHS members and children under 14.
For more information, visit www.plantcollectors.com.au for a complete list of vendors and other event details.
For any inquiries, email Emma at secretary@fchs.org.au or call 0455 531 911.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful event!
