What's On

 
 
October
 
 
Sunday 8: GBG Open day

Discovery Table from 9.30 pm - 3.00 pm
Guided Walk at 11.15 am and 2.00 pm 

Sunday 8: Spring Plant Sale, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
A Huge range of garden plants are available at special prices, located at the rear of the Gardens. 

Sunday 15: Changing Planet, ChangingPlants: Plant Adaption, 2.00 pm

This themed walk will describe some of the impressive features that many plants have developed inorder to cope in desert or arid growing regions, in low water environments and during drought conditions. We will explore some of the plants in the Geelong Botanic Gardens describing the strategies which they employ.  You may be inspired to alter the character of your garden! Meet your guide at the front steps of the GBG, a gold coin donation is appriciated. 

 

Monday 23:  'Through the Garden Gates', 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Treat friends to a self-drive tour of 4 beautiful private gardens in Geelong. Beginning with a fascinating 1850s Heritage Listed home with original garden layout, then on to a stunning 4 year old architect designed house and eclectic garden, a delightful suburban garden full of plants collected by an avid plant person, finishing with afternoon tea (included in ticket price) and plant sale at a fabulous 4 acre garden with amazing views. No tickets can be purchased on the day. Addresses and directions to these private gardens supplied a few weeks prior to event. Members $35, non members $45. Book here.

Saturday and Sunday 28-29: Spring Weekend Plant Sale,  11.00 am - 3.00 pm
The Nursery will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, a huge range of plants are available with volunteers on hand to give any planting advice, located at the rear of the Gardens. 
 
November
 
Monday 6: Rose Lovers' Day at Geelong Botanic Gardens

A special day for those interested in roses generally, heritage roses and the collection at the GBG. Guest speakers Jane Edmanson, Peter Ades and John Nieuwesteeg will share their knowledge, experience and passion for roses. These presentations will be held in the meeting room at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from the experts. The presentations will be followed by a fabulous afternoon tea at the Visitors Centre and a visit to the Geelong Botanic Gardens Heritage Rose Collection. It will be a day to celebrate our love of roses and to see the wonderful heritage roses at Geelong Botanic Gardens in bloom.

Costs: $45 Members , $50 Non-members. Book event 

Passing right through the middle of Geelong, there is a path linedby trees and plants. During this guided walk you'll discover maturetrees and recently-planted garden beds. Explore why a garden issunken and visit pines from Gallipoli. You'll see plants in full springbloom and the imaginative use of diverse and unusual plants in themiddle of the shopping area. We will walk three blocks from FenwickStreet to Bellarine Street. Gold coin donation appreciated. Meet your guide at the rotunda in Johnson Park at 2.00 pm

 
Thursday 16: Trip to 'Beleura' on the Mornington Peninsula
Bring friends and car-pool, to make your own way to the Queenscliff ferry to Sorento. We will travel to historic Beleura house and garden, split into 2 groups of 20 and have guided tours of both the house and garden. Morning tea and lunch are included. BYO /purchase afternoon tea on the return ferry.        

Beleura was built on the Mornington Peninsula in 1863 by Scottish immigrant and successful merchant James Butchart. Today Beleura and its splendid grounds, interiors and archival material reflect the life and legacy of the Tallis family. Composer John Tallis lived here for 48 years and bequeathed Beleura to the people of Victoria. It’s original gardens are maintained by an active Friends group and they lead the guided tours. Cost TBC

Ticket includes ferry fares, silver service morning tea and lunch, as well as 2 guided tours.

December
 
Friday 1: Members' Christmas Picnic and Quiz, 5.30 pm
Join the Friends at our annual Christmas BYO Picnic at the Visitor Facility in the Gardens. Bring family and friends, to begin the Christmas spirit in a relaxed and informal gathering. Featuring a huge Christmas raffle, tea and coffee will be provided.  BYO alcohol permitted.

 6.30 – 7.30 Make your own group or join a group on the night, to enjoy a fun quiz with a horticultural theme. Lots of fun and a prize to win!!


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 5222 6053 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday.

 

 

 


Members recently enjoyed a Cooking Demonstration with Gwen Anderson and absolutely enjoyed the luncheon which followed.  (Photos: Annie McGeachy)
 

Through the Garden Gates
The Friends have held these very popular self-drive garden tours, visiting private gardens in the areas:
  • 2012 - the Bellarine
  • 2013 - the Surf Coast
  • 2014 - Geelong
  • 2015 - the Bellarine
  • 2016 - Golden Plains
  • 2017 - the Bellarine
  • 2018 - the Bellarine
  • 2019 - the Surf Coast
  • 2021 - the Jan Juc area
  • 2022 - the Bellarine
  • 2023 - Inner Geelong area

In 2022, the tour revisited the Bellarine region and visited four stunning gardens in the Ocean Grove, Curlewis and St Leonards areas – offering an incredible variety of design and location.

Afternoon Tea was included in the ticket price - and this was again a delicious event, held at St. Leonards.  At St. Leonards, there was a Plant Stall (plants from gardens of Growers and Friends).