Guest speaker Bob Stephenson spoke about the hardiness of succulents.

Mr Stephenson said all was not lost because of the drought: he encouraged gardeners wanting to beautify their gardens to use plants better suited to drier conditions.

Club president Tom Baker highlighted the significance of having the renowned Alister Clark Rose Garden in Bulla.

Mr Baker said the garden contained 69 varieties of roses cultivated by Mr Clark, a rose breeder, who died in 1949.

"Mr Clark has been recognised for his breeding work by the Rose Society of England," Mr Baker said.

"Mr Clark was Australia's most prolific rose breeder, releasing 122 new varieties from 1912 until his death. He lived, and bred his roses, in Bulla.

"Sadly, many of these roses have been lost to cultivation over the years."

Mr Baker said the garden attracted tourists from overseas, including South Africa, the United States and Italy.

The Bulla garden is open all week. Entry is free.

Details: 93386839.