What's On
Our indigenous plants from the Geelong and Bellarine regions are well represented in the Gardens, from the Red Gum by the gate to the yam daisies on the hillside and the vanilla lilies at the far end. Come and explore some wonders of our local plants. Gold coin donation is appreciated.
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Sunday 23 April: Heritage Australia Guided Walk 'Stories from the Gardens', 2.00 pm
Meet your GBG Guide at the front gates of the Gardens. We are in Wadawurrung Country, and will hear stories of the people who lived here for many thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Gardens are among the oldest in Australia (established 1851) and include many interesting structures, as well as stories of earlier times. Our ancient trees also tell stories: visit the Discovery Table to hear more amazing tales. Gold coin donation appriciated.
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Self-drive to 'Suealoe' at Lovely Banks for a tour and morning tea at this large succulent garden which opened for Open Gardens Victoria in 2022. Purchase own lunch afterwards at Fyansford Hotel and enjoy the company of good friends. Afterwards explore the Fyansford Paper Mill complex and enjoy at the Door Cafe before heading home. $20 Members, $25 Non-member.
Discover some of the amazing trees that grow around our Pacific Rim. Some of these are rare and threatened in their native habitat. This important collection is displayed in the attractive southern extension of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Gold coin donation is appreciated.
Volunteers are invited to celebrate Volunteers Week with a basket lunch and a viewing of the DVD movie “Juliet of the Herbs” – a whimsical documentary about the extraordinary life of a horticulturist who lived an alternative lifestyle amongst her goats and the natural world. Free Event, members only.
Starts on Thursday 8 June, this years series covers a variety of topics, Members, and non member $20 for all four lectures. Booking detail to come.
- Craig Morley 'A virtual tour of the Bellarine Peninsular looking at birds'
- Norman Houghton 'Otway Hotels and Shanties'
- Liz Benetto 'The Wadawurrung Connections'
- Stephen Ryan and Craig Lidgerwood 'Gardens of Norrth West France'
Come and learn about ferns and how fashions in the GBG have changed from John Raddenberry, the 2nd Curator’s renowned Fernery begun in 1885, to our modern natural Fern Glade established in 1982. It has recently been refurbished with most species of ferns, the Conservatory allowing for the inclusion of tropical ferns. Gold coin donation is appreciated.
China had the first Botanical Garden in 138 BC, an enormous park with 2,000 different plants and hot houses.2nd emperor Yang Di in Sui dynasty (581-618AD) built the largest gardens in history and searched far and wide for rare and beautiful plants. 2,000 years of Chinese horticultural endeavour enrich gardens all over the world. Join me on a walk on 14th June at 2.00 to see how many of our plants have Chinese origins!. 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 5222 6053 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday.