What's On
September
Thursday 10 September: Kevin Hoffman Self-drive Tour, 10.30 am - 2.00 pm.
Come and join the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens as we enjoy a guided stroll along the beautifully reclaimed eastern bank of the Hovell Creek in Lara. A project that began in the 1970s, Kevin Hoffman dedicated decades to beautifying the area opposite his home overlooking the creek, creating a tranquil sanctuary for wildlife and visitors. Vibrant ground covers, flowering shrubs, native trees, and sculptures attract birds and wildlife, creating a place to wander, reflect and reconnect with nature. Members $25 Non members $30, morning tea provided. maximum 40 people. Book tickets
October
Saturday 3 October: Celerating 175 Years of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm A free community celebration featuring tours, family activities, giant plant sale, live entertainment, exhibitions, workshops and much more, including the launch of the 2027 Botanical Art Diary and the opening of the Wadawarrung Connection Project. A new Wadawurrung Resources Bed has been created. Plants are labelled with their Wadawurrung name and signage explains the Wadawurrung connection. There will be a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by information about Wadawurrung plants and their uses. This is a free event.
Despite straddling the equator, Africa has a large area with a temperate climate. As a result, there are many African plants that grow comfortably in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Although the gardens grow more than 60 species of plants from Africa, on this walk we will only look at a few of particular interest. You might be puzzled as to how Africa might have such an area with a temperate climate. Meet your guide at the gardens front gate and find out.
November
Sunday 8 November: Themed Guided Walk 'Roses' Meet at the front gates
The rose is one of the most loved and cultivated plants. It has occupied a prominent place in the art, literature and religions of many cultures since early times and stands as a symbol of love innocence and purity; nationhood, courage, passion and desire. The earliest pictorial evidence of a rose dates back to the sixteenth century BC, Royal Minoan Palace at Knossos in Crete. Meet your guide at the front gates.
Monday 9 November: Through the Garden Gates, 10.30 am - 4.00 pm
Our popular self-drive tour of 4 gardens this year is in the Birregurra/Beeac area. The tour ends at the final garden with a delicious afternoon tea (included in the price) and sale of plants propagated from members’ own gardens. BYO picnic lunch at the 2nd garden or purchase your own lunch along the way. Members $40, non-members $50
Booking has opened, book here. A detailed Itinerary will be provided upon booking.
WEEKLY PLANT SALES
The Friends’ Plant Nursery is open every Wednesday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm show casing 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 2.00 pm (Maximum 10 people)
For more information, or to make a larger booking contact the Friends office 03 5229 0071 info@freindsgbg.org.au
