Colourful arrangements of flowers were unveiled at the Robert Clark Horticultural Centre this weekend, following an annual tradition of floral creativity.
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The Ballarat floral art display has been set up by the Ballarat Floral Art Group to raise money and awareness of support services for people with disabilities.
Formed around 37 years ago as an extension of the Ballarat Horticultural society, the Ballarat Floral Art Group has about 22 members.
The group is a hub for flower enthusiasts who meet once a month and some of the activities they are involved in include organising displays for the Begonia Festival.
The display they opened on Friday is an annual event which supports the work of EW Tipping, a Victorian organisation established to assist those with disabilities and provide community services and assistance.
“We are a non for profit organisation and money from our displays goes to EW Tipping Foundation to support residents of their two houses in Ballarat. We raise funds for the organisation to help with respite and goods for the disabled and in the past we have contributed many thousands of dollars to their effort,” Ballarat Floral Art Group’s Margaret Ranger said.
“The funds enable residents to have a holiday or buy items for the houses, such as specially designed tables. We give everything we get to the organisation. Over the years we have raised over $40,000 for the cause.”
Ms Ranger said they worked all day Thursday to set up the floral display which features a diverse range of flowers.
“The flowers we use are anything we buy or grow. There’s a variety of flowers included,” Ms Ranger said.
The three day display at the Robert Clark Horticultural Centre in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens also features demonstrations and includes guest artists such as local floral designer Greg Block and local Red Echidna Studios potter Barry Wemyss. The exhibit was open from 12pm until 5pm on September 22 and visitors can also check it out from 10am until 4pm on September 23 and 24.
The cost is $6 for entry to the display along with refreshments of devonshire tea.The public can also view demonstrations in the conservatory with entry by a gold coin donation.
For more information about the Ballarat Floral Art Group visit www.facebook.com/Ballaratfloralart.
