Standing in this carpet of flowers in 1915, Mr. Frederick Duckitt of Waylands and Mrs. (Ds.) Suzanne Malan of “Die Pastorie”, Darling decided that this wonderful heritage of wild flowers must be shared with others. The outcome was the founding of the Darling Wild Flower Society, as we know it today – the first flower show being held in 1917. The Darling Wildflower Society has facilitated 102 wildflower shows since that first in 1917 and the ideals expressed by the founders still hold true today. They wanted to display Darling’s botanical wealth for the world to see while at the same time promoting the conservation of flowers amongst the farmers of the district, who have since maintained the botanical diversity of the region over several generations.

The Society is laying a solid foundation for the future, with plans for a conservation and education centre, complete with a ‘rescue’ garden that will provide a home for themself as well as for other conservation bodies. They’ve bought a plot adjacent to the showgrounds with funds raised over the past few decades and every ticket sold at the show boosts the kitty to erect the building.