Alexandra Garden Club is giving back to the community, volunteering hours at Dunstan Hospital to ensure it is only flowers growing, not weeds.

Club members were at the hospital on Thursday armed with their own range of tools ready for a busy morning, beautifying the area for visitors to enjoy.

While there was a sense of satisfaction that comes with the role, members agreed it was a great way to meet other like-minded people and also learn along the way.

The club, which is 100 years old, was formerly known as The Alexandra Horticultural Society.

Club member Barb McCrostie said it has about 50 members who can take part in various activities, including volunteer roles like the Dunstan Hospital garden project for a couple of hours at a time.

The group started looking after the Dunstan Hospital garden just over a year ago.

Roses are taking centre stage in the Dunstan Hospital garden. PHOTO: Central App

However, attending every working bee was not compulsory, as all members were also busy tending to their own gardens.

The club will be among those who can celebrate International Volunteer Day on December 5.

Volunteer South Kaitūao o te Taitonga plans to celebrate all volunteers and the change they bring to their communities.

The awareness day, established by the United Nations, will follow the theme of ‘power of collective action: if everyone did’.

A spokesperson for the UN said if everyone volunteered, the world would be a better place.

“Imagine more than eight billion of us volunteering. Limitless possibilities for sustainable development - food and education for everyone, clean environment and good health, inclusive and peaceful societies, and more.”

The Alexandra Garden Club is doing more than just donating their time. They are also donating prizes to the Central Otago District Council’s upcoming Dry Garden Competition, which will be judged on water efficiency and suitable placement of climate appropriate plant species.

For more information about the Dry Garden Competition, which closes on January 31, 2024, email [email protected]

To find out more about the Alexandra Garden Club visit their profile on The Central App.

Read more: Efficient use of water now, could save