Volunteers and Latrobe City Council staff celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden with a presentation at council offices last week.
Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Advisory Committee chair Del Matthews and Latrobe City councillor Christine Sindt addressed the crowd of about 80 staff and garden volunteers.
Ms Matthews said her 20-year involvement with the garden had been as much about friendship as it had been about roses.
“I think the volunteers not only care for the garden, but care for each other,” she said.
She said the advisory committee held regular social events such as visiting other gardens, and nights to look at members’ photos of gardens taken on trips.
“Through the garden, really nice friendships have been formed,” Ms Matthews said.
In her speech Cr Sindt said among other achievements the garden was awarded the status “Garden of Excellence” in 2009 by the World Federation of Rose Societies.
“This award has been presented to only a small number of rose gardens in the world and the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden is just the second rose garden in Australia to receive this honour,” Cr Sindt said.
Ms Mathews was presented with a surprise cake that was shared with attendees during a lunch after the speeches.
