What's On
FGBG EVENT CALENDAR: 'YEAR AT A GLANCE'
July
Saturday 27 July: Winter Plant Sale, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Looking for something different and priced well below major retail outlets? Come and be tempted by our Salvias, Pelargoniums, Australian Plants, Perennials, Grasses and Succulents, sourced from our beautiful Botanic Gardens. Plant Nursery located at the Rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Entry from front gate Access can be arranged from Nursery for pickup of large purchases. Details
August
Sunday 11 August: Themed Guided Walk 'Camelia Walk', 2.00 pm at the Front Gates.
The Camellia Walk is full of vivid colour at this time of year. Take a stroll through the camellias and other stunning Chinese plants and learn about some of the plant explorers who travelled the world searching for new and exotic species. Gold coin donation appreciated.
Monday 26 August: Friends AGM, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
Come and meet the newly elected Committee of Management, enjoying supper after the AGM and special guest speaker Ali Wastie, CEO of City of Greater Geelong. AGM at 5.30, in the Large Meeting room at the GBG, Guest Speaker at 6.15 pm and Supper at 7.00 pm.
September
Thursday 12 September: Melton Botanic Gardens Self-Drive Tour and Lunch, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Melton Botanic Gardens Friends will host our group on a guided tour of their gardens, followed by a provided lunch. This garden is widely acclaimed for the vast collections of Australian and dry climate plants from around the world. Price includes morning tea, guided tour and lunch. Members $40, Non-members $50.
Sunday 15 September: Themed Guided Walk 'Sensory Walk', 2.00 pm at the Front Gates.
Stimulate all your senses on a guided adventure in Geelong Botanic Gardens. Have fun exploring the aromas and flavours of plants and learn how they are used in food, drinks, cosmetics, and medicines. Listen to the sounds of the Gardens – identify the birds. Feel the textures, from velvety soft to harsh and abrasive. Enjoy the vistas. Meet your guide at the front steps. Gold coin donation appreciated.
October
Tuesday 1 October: Dandenong Ranges Coach Tour, 7.45 am - 6.15 pm
Visit the Chelsea Garden, Cloud Forest conservation garden and Nationa Rhododendron Garden at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, Cloudehill and Kawarra Australian Native Gardens at Kalorama for afternoon tea. BYO picnic lunch and drinks at Hamer Arboretum. Members $85, Non-members $95.
Sunday 13 October: Themed Guided Walk 'Our First People and their Plants', 2.00 pm at the Front Gates.
Geelong Botanic Gardens is on Wadawurrung land. Learn about our first people: their lifestyle, conservation of resources and traditional use of plants for food, medicine, weapons, transport, musical instruments and cultural ceremonies. Things changed for the Wadawurrung when Europeans arrived here …. but this is Wadawurrung Land: always was, always will be. Gold coin donation is appreciated.
Tuesday 29 October: Through the Garden Gates, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
A popular self-drive tour of up to four local private gardens, this year we visit gardens in Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, finishing the tour with afternoon tea at a Garden near Drysdale TBC. More details to come.
Members $40, Non-members $50
November
Saturday 9 Novermber: Indigenous String Weaving, 9.30am - 12.00pm.
Indigenous string waving to make jewellery, with instructor Jasmin Sky Marinos. Large meeting room at at the GBG. Members $55, Non-members $65
Sunday 10 November: Themed Guided Walk 'Out of Africa', 2.00 pm at the Front Gates.
More details to come. Meet your guide at the fr Gold coin donation is appreciated.
Friday 29 Novermber: Friends' Christmas Picnic, 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Wine tasting, with Gail Thomas followed by a Members BYO picnic tea and a Christmas Raffle.
RSVP to the office: 03 5229 0071
December
Sunday 8 December: Themed guided walk 'Native Plants and their Pollinators', 2.00 pmat the Front Gates
The pollination of plants is integral to their reproduction and survival. Come and learn about the differing ways native plants are pollinated. Hear how native plants can provide habitat for local native fauna to encourage pollinators such as small birds, butterflies, native bees, lizards, frogs and bats. Meet your guide at the front gates, gold coin donation is appreciated.
WEEKLY PLANT SALES
The Friends’ Plant Nursery is open every Wednesday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm showcasing a wide selection of plants sourced from the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Located at the rear of the GBG.
WEEKLY GUIDED WALKS
Every Wednesday at 11.00 am, and Sunday at 2.00 pm.
For more information, or to make a booking, contact the Friends’ office on 5229 0071 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday.
