Events

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 13th September at 2.00 to see how many of our plants have Chinese origins! Meet your guide at the front steps.

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.  Kevin’s legacy lives on through the work of Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk. The Friends will host us, providing morning tea followed by a guided walk along this widely acclaimed native trail. This dedicated group continues Kevin’s restoration of the neglected riverbank into a place of tranquil beauty and serenity, extending the extensive collection of beautiful Australian natives for 900 metres along the bank, creating a very special place for all to enjoy. Morning tea is included in the ticke price, please indicate any dietary requirments. After the walk, you may wish to join us for a buy-your-own lunch at Millars Café, a delightful café with views overlooking a lake teeming with birdlife, right in the heart of Grand Lakes Estate in Lara. Meals are good value and the café is licenced. We will reserve a table so please advise our office staff if you will be joining us, when you book your ticket. While in the area you might like to visit nearby Serendip Wildlife Sanctury’s newly established sensory garden (100 Windermere Road). It is free of charge and a wonderful addition to the sanctuary, featuring five different garden “rooms”, each focusing on a different sense and designed for easy disability access. Or you might like to visit Roraima Nursery, also in Lara (20 Swan Street). It will be closing over the next 12 months but is still well stocked with treasures, with 50% discount on all stock. Members $25 Non members $30 **Maximum 40 people**

Come and meet the newly elected Committee of Management, enjoying supper after the AGM and guest speaker Tim Sansom, RBG Executive Director of Living Collections and Environment. AGM Notice and Agenda 2026 Arrive at 5.15, AGM at 5.30, Guest Speaker at 6.15 pm and Supper at 7.00 pm. Free Event, RSVP for catering, please indicate any dietary requirements.

The pollination of plants is integral to their reproduction and survival.  Come and hear about the differing ways native plants are pollinated.  They 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 steps.

Come and discover a beautiful selection of quality plants that are lovingly propogated by our dedicated Volunteers at  bargain prices in the Saturday Plant Sale at the FGBG Nursery. Choose amongst Australian Natives, perennials, ornamental grasses, succulants, pelargoniums and salvias to name just a few. Every purchase helps to support the ongoing care, maintenance and sustainability of our beautiful garden sanctury, with all proceeds reinvested into the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Come and join us Saturday 1st August to find something special for your garden while supporting a wonderful local cause. We look forward to seeing you there, spread the word!!!!  

Movie Night, The Rose Maker, followed by a French Bastille Day-themed supper. The Rose Maker is a gentle, feel-good story about Eve, a once-celebrated rose grower, trying to save her fading farm. With nothing left to lose, she hires three unlikely misfits—and somehow, they start to change everything. It’s charming in the quietest way: watching imperfect people stumble, connect, and slowly bloom alongside the roses they’re trying to grow. By the end, it’s hard not to feel a little hopeful—like even the messiest situations can still turn into something beautiful. 🌹 BOOKING CLOSED