Guest speakers Jane Edmanson, Peter Ades and John Nieuwesteeg will share their knowledge, experience and passion for roses. These presentations will be held in the meeting room at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from the experts. The presentations will be followed by a fabulous afternoon tea at the Visitors Centre and a visit to the Geelong Botanic Gardens Heritage Rose Collection. It will be a day to celebrate our love of roses and to see the wonderful heritage roses at Geelong Botanic Gardens in bloom. The day launches a booklet developed by the Friends’ Heritage Rose Growers and the Friends’ 2024 Rose Lovers calendar. Both will be available on the day. Costs: $45 for members of the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens. $50 for non-members.

The Geelong School of Botanic Art 'Inspired by Nature 8' Botanic Art Exhibition. This exhibition will feature exceptional botanical art created by the talented students and tutors of our school. The artwork ranges from grand portrayals of flora to intricate depictions of plant life, all executed with remarkable technique and skill. The exhibition will present a blend of contemporary and traditional botanical art, offering a comprehensive exploration of the structural botany of plants and showcasing individual artistic expressions through the varied use of watercolour, coloured pencil, graphite, pen, and gouache. Notably, all artwork on display will be available for purchase, making it an excellent opportunity for art collectors or individuals looking to enhance their living spaces with beautiful botanical creations.   Inspired by Nature 8 Exhibition to be held from 4th November to 9th December 2023 Monday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm At the Waterfront Gallery Deakin University Geelong Entry via Cunningham Street.

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October,  10.00 am - 3.00 pm Located at the rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, the Friends' Plant Nursery has a wide range of plants available, drop in and say hello to one of the volunteers, and take home plants for your garden at special prices. 

Treat friends to a self-drive tour of 4 beautiful private gardens in Geelong. Beginning with a fascinating 1850s Heritage Listed home with original garden layout, then on to a stunning 4 year old architect designed house and eclectic garden, a delightful suburban garden full of plants collected by an avid plant person, finishing with afternoon tea (included in ticket price) and plant sale at a fabulous 4 acre garden with amazing views. No tickets can be purchased on the day. Addresses and directions to these private gardens supplied a few weeks prior to event.  

This themed walk will describe some of the impressive features that many plants have developed inorder to cope in desert or arid growing regions, in low water environments and during drought conditions. We will explore some of the plants in the Geelong Botanic Gardens describing the strategies which they employ. You may be inspired to alter the character of your garden! Meet your guide at the front steps of the GBG , a gold coin donation is appriciated.

Sunday 8 October, 10.00 a - 4.00 pm Located at the rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, the Friends' Plant Nursery has a wide range of plants available, drop in and say hello to one of the volunteers, and take home plants for your garden at special prices. 

Open Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, 11.00am - 3.00 pm Located at the rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, the Friends' Plant Nursery has a wide range of plants available, drop in and say hello to one of the volunteers, and take home plants for your garden at special prices. 

Stimulate all your senses on a guided adventure in Geelong Botanic Gardens.  Explore 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 gate. Gold coin donation.

Join the Friends for an informal evening at their AGM. The Annual Report and election of the Committee will be followed by supper and Guest speaker Stephan Ryan (FGBG Patron). RSVPs by 21 August.  Free members event.

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 August at 2.00 to see how many of our plants have Chinese origins!. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Meet your guide at the front gates.

Enjoy a wonderful light supper and sweets with Friends, followed by the delightful movie - ‘Delicieux’ subtitled: a movie set in France just prior to the French Revolution, telling the story of a chef and his venture into a new style of outdoor café dining.  Supper at 6.00 pm and Movie Viewing at 7.00 pm. Bring your friends for a charming night out.  $30 members and $40 non-members.  Bookings can also be made at the Friends' Office on 5222 6053.  RSVP by 12 July.

Geelong’s First People, the Wadawurrung, used plants in many ways: for food, medicine, fiber, tools, and ceremony. Many of these plants are in Geelong Botanic Gardens. Come for a stroll around the Gardens to learn more. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Meet your guide at the front gates.