Naponda Store president Pam Ellerman, Deniliquin Community Gardens president Val Krugar and guest presenter Sophie Thomson during Monday’s workshop.
Avid gardeners and lovers of fresh produce gathered on Sunday and Monday to enjoy two days of learning, socialising, and celebrating all things gardening at the 2022 Naponda Garden Expo.
Those who attended had the opportunity to learn from and mingle with one of Australia’s favourite gardeners from Gardening Australia - Sophie Thomson, who hosted three workshops over the two days.
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Naponda Store president Pam Ellerman said the expo was a “total success”.
“The feedback from the community has been overwhelming,” she said.
“We are still getting comments on social media and around town about how great the event was.”
Day one of the expo was held at ‘Marong Station’, owned by Chris and Sue Muenster, where Ms Thomson gave two talks - on ‘gardening for health and wellbeing’ and ‘how to drought proof your garden’.
Local businesses and gardeners also had stalls for the attendees to browse including Bonsai Bob, Leaves & Vines Nursery, Naponda Store and local metal artist Stuart Taylor.
Day two was held at the Deniliquin Community Gardens where Ms Thomson held a very practical workshop on ‘growing your own’ and tips on composting.
Ticket sales from day one of the expo raised $13,000, which will be donated to the Naponda Hospital Auxillery fund.
Day two of the expo raised $500 for the Deniliquin Community Gardens.
Mrs Ellerman said having Ms Thomson as the special guest really enhanced the event.
“Everyone was entranced by her during the workshops, taking in every word,” she said.
“On the Monday, in the Community Gardens where we had the school kids present, there was not a peep or movement from any student, so that was testament to her.
“The entire audience was captivated.”
Another stand out of the two-day event was the scarecrow competition, which was judged by Ms Thomson on Monday.
Mayrung Public School took home prizes for their very brightly coloured and fashionably dressed scarecrows.
Also winning prizes were Angela’s Day Care from Deniliquin, and a children’s garden charity group in Swan Hill.
(From back, left) Joe Smith, Kade Golds, scarecrow Pat-Trisha, Oliver Dellwo and Lochie Fraser-Shore; (front) Evy Moore, Sara Carter and Beiley Busby.
New member of the community gardens, Lucy Bee said Monday’s event was a great success for the community and the gardens.
“Events like this are very important for bringing the community together, and for us at the gardens to show off our garden with pride and hopefully inspire people to either join the community gardens or start producing their own food at home,” she said.
“We had the pleasure of giving Sophie Thomson a tour of the gardens and listening to her very informative workshop about practical gardening.”
Ms Bee said with such great exposure to the gardens and what they can offer the community, the group signed up one new member on Monday and received expressions of interest from other potential new members.
“We currently have several full size plots available, and two half sized plots perfect for kids or older gardeners,” said Ms Bee.
“Available plots will be marked with a ribbon for anyone wishing to pop in and inspect.”
Ms Bee said a huge thank you to Naponda Store for organising the event, Sophie Thomson for her informative and entertaining workshop and everyone who attended.
Ms Ellerman also extended thanks to all the volunteers who helped over the two-days.
“Without our volunteers none of this would have been possible,” she said.
“I also want to thank Edward River Council and Deniliquin Community Group for supporting and funding the event to enhance community involvement, development and sustainability.”
