Jan Gough, 81, is proof that passion can blossom into a lifetime of service.
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For more than four decades, she has been the driving force behind the horticulture section of the Shepparton Show, ensuring flowers, fruit, vegetables and floral displays have remained a colourful and cherished part of the annual event.
This year, as the show celebrates its 150th anniversary, Jan is preparing for one final year as horticulture manager before stepping aside.
“My love of gardening began long before I took on this role,” Jan said.
“I grew up near Euroa and was involved in local garden clubs and agricultural shows in the early 1960s.
“I also was the treasurer of the Euroa Garden Club for 17 years.”
That lifelong passion eventually led her to Shepparton, where she noticed the horticulture section had disappeared from the show.
After two years, she said she knew she needed to jump into the role and help get it back, and since then, she’s been organising the horticulture section, which has become almost a year-round commitment.
From February she begins approaching sponsors and donors before preparing schedules, organising judges and co-ordinating volunteers.
Come show week, she spends four days setting up the displays before entries begin arriving.
“I absolutely love doing it,” Jan said.
“Seeing all the different entries and meeting people over the show weekend makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
While visitors admire the blooms and produce, few realise the amount of work taking place behind the scenes.
And although she’s retiring from the manager’s role after this year’s show, Jan won’t be disappearing completely.
She still plans to enter for as long as she can and is happy to lend a hand if needed.
“I’ll definitely help with the show, but I want to give someone else a go,” she said.
“It’s times for a new generation to embrace the role and continue showcasing the beauty of horticulture for years to come.”
Jan’s own gardening achievements are equally impressive.
In 1989 she was named the Australian Champion for having the best grown Camellia and had received a prestigious silver medal from the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria — an honour she considers a highlight of her gardening journey.
“It’s all been wonderful,” she said.
“Finishing up on the 150th year of the show will be really special and I’m really looking forward to seeing it grow for many years to come.”
Flower power ... Linda Watkins of Yerrowa and Jan Gough of Shepparton, busy judging the flower arrangements for the junior floral art competition.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
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