Ellis Rowan was a world-famous Australian artist who will be honoured with a public statue in Mt Macedon where she lived. Mount Macedon and District Horticultural Society has commissioned the life-size bronze sculpture of Ellis Rowan, who explored Australia and remote parts of the world hunting for wildflowers, rare plants, insects and birds to paint. Ellis was a prolific artist from the 1870s to 1922, winning the approval of botanists and the patronage of Queen Victoria. Today few people know her name. Join the Friends at the CWA Hall in Boundary Road, East Geelong, for supper and to hear our patron Stephen Ryan talk about Ellis’s contribution to botany and the art world. You will have the opportunity to donate to the appeal for the statue honouring Ellis’s legacy. Receipted donations are tax deductible and all are welcome. This is a Free Event, however Bookings are Essential  

EVENT FULLY BOOKED Thursday 27 February 2025 9.30 TO 11.30 AM Free Event including GUIDED WALK & MORNING TEA Maximum 50 people each date The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens will host a special guided walk for Geelong Seniors. You will be in the hands of trained Guides offering an introduction to Geelong's garden jewel, Geelong Botanic Gardens. This will be followed by a professionally catered morning tea and a welcome to the Gardens by members of the Friends, who wish to encourage Seniors to actively enjoy the ever-changing Gardens and learn a little about the plant collections, in the company of other Seniors. By popular demand, we will offer a walk and morning tea on two different days, to cater for larger numbers. This event has been supported by a City of Greater Geelong Positive Ageing grant. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL! Book here online or contact the Friends' Office on 5229 0071 or info@friendsgbg.org.au to book your place and receive a confirmation itinerary.

EAST GEELONG GARDEN: Location details provided after payment. A late Summer garden has been lovingly created by member Helena Buxton, who has opened her garden many times but is excited to show us her newly styled garden. Reflecting the need for water conservation and drought proofing our gardens, Helena has been thoughtfully working towards these goals. A visit to the garden at Arundel at the end of Summer offers a view into a changing landscape. Since arriviing in Geelong 15 years ago trees have become a dominant feature. The growth and shade that the trees, offer is now presenting opportunities for garden change. A few experiemental beds have tested plants, this is an ongoing task and each season new species are adopted and others eliminated. Join the Friends for Morning Tea and the popular Friends’ Plant Sale that is usually held in Spring, in this wonderful large productive garden.        BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL If you would rather pay for your ticket in person, please contact the Friends' Office on 03 5229 0071, the office is open Mon-Frid 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.   

Learn this traditional art of single brush stroke and double colour loading, to produce the classic subjects of the Four Seasons: Bamboo, Orchid, Chrysanthemum and Plum Blossom. Also, butterflies, bees and some Australian flowers. Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced. Left handers catered for. Tradition-History-Philosophy Further images and bio: www.stephencassettari.com   Day 1 Brush Storkes-Use of Bamboo brush Bamboo-Use of double colour Lunch Orchid-Harmony of composition Chrysanthemum-Introduction to Insects   Day 2 Plum Blossom-Harmony of Opposites Lunch Wattle-Gum Blossom-Chi rhythm Past -Present-Future   Equipment list:- Bamboo brush-Available from tutor $5 (cash only) Set of watercolour tubes Newsprint paper-Scrapbook Low water container Two white saucers-as palette Old tea towel Small cup-for Chinese tea PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE: The Workshop will be held in the Austin Grey Centre at the Geelong College, 85 Aphrasia Street, Newtown. *Next to Keith Humble Centre (Corner Aphrasia St and Claremont Ave) , enter via Aphrasia Street Street Parking available 

EVENT FULLY BOOKED Thursday 20 February 2025 9.30 TO 11.30 AM Free Event including GUIDED WALK & MORNING TEA Maximum 50 people each date The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens will host a special guided walk for Geelong Seniors. You will be in the hands of trained Guides offering an introduction to Geelong's garden jewel, Geelong Botanic Gardens. This will be followed by a professionally catered morning tea and a welcome to the Gardens by members of the Friends, who wish to encourage Seniors to actively enjoy the ever-changing Gardens and learn a little about the plant collections, in the company of other Seniors. By popular demand, we will offer a walk and morning tea on two different days, to cater for larger numbers. This event has been supported by a City of Greater Geelong Positive Ageing grant. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL! Book here online or contact the Friends' Office on 5229 0071 or info@friendsgbg.org.au to book your place and receive a confirmation itinerary.

WALK & TALK with STEPHEN RYAN  (FGBG PATRON) at Geelong Botanic Gardens Friday 13 December 10.00 am  Bookings Essential - 25 People Maximum The meeting spot will be revealed when you book your ticket. Take this opportunity to come along for a casual Walk & Talk with the wonderful and entertaining Stephen Ryan through Geelong Botanic Gardens. Stephen is an horticulturalist, nurseryman, collector, prolific wtiter and award-winning radio broadcaster and TV presenter.   Stephen will explore the Geelong Botanic Gardens and answer any questions you have about plants and trees in the Gardens or horticulture in general. Numbers are capped at 25, so get in quickly and book your place here online or by ringing or emailing the Friends' Office.  This is a free event for FGBG Members, however it's essential that you RSVP by Thursday 12 December if contacting the office. ph. 03 5229 0071 info@friendsgbg.org.au

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. 

PLANT NURSERY LOCATED at the Rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens Entry is from the Gardens only.  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.  Access can be arranged from Nursery for pickup of plant purchases.

This year the Friends’ annual Christmas picnic in the Gardens will be held on Wednesday 27th November from 1.00 pm-3.00 pm at the Visitor Facility, to accommodate those who have been unable to attend evening celebrations in the past. All members and their partners are invited to come and share your support in an afternoon of fun and friendship. BYO picnic and drinks. BYO alcohol is permitted, and tea/coffee will be provided. A silent auction of plants and assorted items will add to the fun, as well as a raffle sold and drawn on the day to members and their guests. RSVP to the office: 03 5229 0071

Meet at the Front Gates Explore traces of the vast continent of Africa living in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Plants from Africa reflect huge differences in climate, topography and ecology. Our collection comes from widely diverse areas of the continent, tell stories of their habitat, and the creatures and people that inhabit it. Gold coin donation appreciated.

Our popular self-drive tour of 4 gardens this year is in the Bellarine Peninsula. They range from a large country garden with expansive vistas, a stylish newly established lawned garden and two lushly planted town gardens, both featuring beautiful garden rooms.  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. Bookings by Thursday 24 October.  A detailed Itinerary will be provided upon booking. Gardens we will visit: Barwon Heads Ocean Grove Point Lonsdale Drysdale , Afternoon tea (included in ticket price) and Plant Stall Contact the Friends' Office if you have any questions, on 5229 0071 or info@friendsgbg.org.au

Explore the rich diversity of indigenous plants at Geelong Botanic Gardens, ranging from majestic trees to intricate ground covers. These remarkable species not only enhance the beauty of our garden but also carry deep cultural and historical significance. Join us to uncover the fascinating ways these plants have been integral to traditions, from crafting tools to creating art and music.  Gold coin donation is appreciated.