Catherine Robertson selects some additions for her Broad Bay garden at the Portobello plant fair yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
The fair, initiated by gardeners wanting a change from the traditional fundraising cake stalls, celebrated its 21st year this year and appeared as popular as ever.
Begun by the Portobello Broad Bay Playcentre in 1987, it was later taken over by the schools in the two communities, and has become their major annual fundraiser.
This year, people had a choice of more than 3000 plants on sale at the Portobello Coronation Hall.
Organiser Lyn Pope estimated the fair raised about $17,000 for the Portobello and Broad Bay schools.
"The amount raised is really pleasing for an event which relies on the goodwill of volunteers, parents and the local community."
