SAVE THE DATE | AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW | 21 & 22 MARCH 2026
ABOUT THE Kyneton Horticultural Society
A Local Tradition Since 1894
Founded in 1894, KHS is one of Australia’s longest-running gardening societies. We welcome everyone with a love of plants, produce, and pottering.
We meet to share knowledge, showcase gardens, and hear from guest speakers across all areas of horticulture.
From its early days in a growing agricultural town, KHS has kept alive the joy of growing things together.
Our flower shows, guest speakers, and plant exchanges have continued almost uninterrupted for over a century, and new members become part of that living tradition the moment they join.
History of the Kyneton Horticultural Society
TIMELINE OF HIGHLIGHTS
1890s – Formation & First Shows
1892: Sub-committee discusses Horticultural Show under Agricultural Society.
1893: Inaugural Horticultural Show, 259 entries; held in Mechanics’ Institute.
1895: Kyneton Horticultural Society officially formed; first Spring Show.
1900s – Growth & Innovation
1900: Chrysanthemum Show successful; 113 members.
1906: Introduced monthly competitions and educational papers.
1907: Spring Show held in Temperance Hall; fruit culture papers presented.
1920s – Society Reforms & Exhibitions
1920: Society reformed post-WWI; papers on Aster cultivation.
1923: First Daffodil Show; car trip to Glenara included.
1928: Lang Shield competition introduced for flower teams.
1930s – Sweet Peas &Community Engagement
1933: Large Sweet Pea Show for Victorian centenary.
1934: Exchange Table introduced for sharing plants and seeds.
1936: Affiliated with Victorian Council of Horticultural Societies.
1940s – Reopening & New Competitions
1946: Society reformed after 4-year dormancy; 96 members.
1947: “Alister Clark Cup” introduced for champion daffodils.
1948: First tulip show; 26 vegetable classes added.
1950s – Media, Fundraising & Awards
Film presentations of Chelsea Flower Show.
Floral displays in shop windows during Autumn Shows.
RHSV awards won by local growers (Fred Silcock, Mrs A. Murray).
1960s – Expansion & Children’s Participation
Children’s sections are emphasised at shows.
1964: Autumn Show moves to Shire Hall; wins McKinnon Shield.
RHSV silver medals for best daffodils awarded to local growers.
1970s – Daffodils & Dahlias Dominate
1970: RHSV silver medal awarded for best locally grown daffodil.
1972: Men’s flower arrangement section introduced.
1976: Alistair Clark Challenge Cup awarded; children’s participation continues.
1977: Dahlia exhibits from Bendigo, Kerang, Bacchus Marsh; national-level recognition.
1980s – National Attention &
International Visitors
1980: TV coverage of Autumn Show; Jack Williams’ polyanthus display praised.
1984: Largest daffodil entries; 37 Americans visit Mrs. Murray’s collection.
1985: 90th anniversary celebrated.
1990s – Championships & Life Memberships
1990: Australian Daffodil Championships hosted in Kyneton Spring Show; multiple RHSV awards.
1991: Life memberships awarded to key contributors; Jack Williams wins four Autumn Show categories.
