• Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook Star

By Mara Pattison-Sowden

2nd February 2010 11:05:21 AM

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Green thumb … Sandra Turner enjoys pruning the roses. 42058 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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WHEN Victoria was known as the Garden State, a pipe dream by the National Rose Society turned an old bit of land in Werribee into a blooming rose garden.

Completely run by volunteers, the Victoria State Rose Garden has needed constant attention since its beginnings 18 years ago.

Garden president Wal Johnston said it was one of the few places Victorians could enjoy for free.

Up to 100 volunteers spend Wednesday and Saturday mornings pruning, weeding and dead-heading the different species of roses.

Mr Johnston said volunteers spent more than 10,000 hours a year tending to the garden.

“So long as the volunteers keep going, the garden will remain free for the public,” he said.

Rose enthusiast Sandra Turner said they would love some of the younger community to help out.

“There are so many people here with so much knowledge they can pass on,” she said.

Volunteers are taken through and taught how to look after the roses properly, Mrs Turner said.

“It’s beautiful to see the roses blooming and the difference good care makes,” she said.

Ms Turner said it wasn’t just the beautiful garden but also the company that was special.

“The friendships you make are fabulous. We sit and have morning tea, catch up and discuss the garden, and then head off into different groups.”

Interested volunteers can call Veronica O’Brien on 9742 4291.

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