Laurie Taylor was commended by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh for his valuable contribution as co-founder of the Mornington Botanical Rose Gardens and the thousands of dedicated volunteer hours he has generously given over the past 20 years.

With the Rose Garden Committee and volunteers in attendance, Cr Despi O’Connor stepped in for the Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh to present Laurie Taylor with his Mayoral commendation, at the end of year Christmas function held at the Rose Garden on the 14 December.

Guests heard about Laurie’s 20 year journey with co-Founder Don Gordon who’s tireless contribution has enabled the garden to grow which now boasts over 100 garden beds, 4000 varieties of roses and over 80 volunteers currently.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the community are so grateful and appreciate Laurie’s dedication to our much-loved community asset.

On the same night, Scott and Gabrielle Gordon, the late Don Gordon’s son and daughter-in-law were awarded a special award by the volunteers of the garden in recognition of their 20 years of service to the garden. Scott has followed in the footsteps of his late father.

For anyone who visits the beautiful garden, it is a credit to the volunteers mentioned as well as the Committee and volunteers who work so hard to allow the rest of us to enjoy and ‘smell the roses’.

If you would like to become a volunteer at the garden, please call 0459 032 497 or email [email protected]