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.

Plant Nursery is located at the Rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens Entry is from the Gardens only. Looking for somethingdifferent 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.

We will visit the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens at Olinda, to see the Cloud Forest Conservation Garden and tour their Chelsea Garden recreated from the winning exhibit at the famed Chelsea Show. Then on to Cloudehill gardens, nursery and garden shop. Cloudehill has partnered with Antique Perennials to show and sell from their range of rare perennials. Bring your own picnic and drinks as we lunch at nearby Hamer Arboretum. We move on to Kawarra Native Botanic Gardens and nursery at Kalorama, for afternoon tea before heading home. Price includes coach travel, entry fees, morning and afternoon tea. Bring Your Own lunch.  Itinerary provided on booking. Bookings are essential and due by Wednesday 18 September. Book now to secure a seat on the Coach, arrive at Gate 3 Carpark, Eastern Park Circuit at 7.45 am for an 8.00 am departure, returning at 6.15 pm.

NOW FULLY BOOKED Melton Botanic Gardens Friends will host our group on a guided tour of their gardens, followed by lunch. This garden is widely acclaimed for the vast collections of Australian and dry climate plants from around the world. The Plant Nursery will be open during our visit.  Prices includes morning tea, guided tour and lunch. Itinerary provided on booking Bookings are essential and due by 6 September

Stimulate all your senses on a guided adventure in Geelong Botanic Gardens.  Have fun exploring the aromas and flavours of plants and learn how they are used in food, drinks, cosmetics, and medicines. Listen to the sounds of the Gardens – identify the birds. Feel the textures, from velvety soft to harsh and abrasive. Enjoy the vistas. Meet your guide at the front steps. Gold coin donation appreciated.