The Friends

Eastern Hill, on the edge of Corio Bay, was set aside in 1851 as the location for Geelong’s botanic garden. The Wadawurrung (Wathaurong) people had cared for this land for 60,000 years, and it had provided food, medicine, tools and clothing. Near the Gardens, middens provide evidence of a diet rich in plants, seafood and land animals.

From that time until today, the gardens have evolved and thrived through harsh times and good.

Today Geelong’s 7hec Botanic Gardens nestle within the greater 75hec Eastern Park. Unique in layout, they are compact yet extensively display plants and gardens of the 19^th, 20^th and 21^st Century in a pristine environment.

The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens (FGBG) was formed in 1985 at a public meeting with people interested in supporting our Botanic Gardens. Incorporation and adoption of the Constitution was completed in1987. The Friends is a 'non-profit' organisation with over 300 members enjoying our program of events, including botanical art, tours and functions. Members may be able to volunteer their time or expertise to support the Friends or to do volunteer work at the Gardens. All members receive a discount at our Nursery and at our events. A discount is also available from some Geelong businesses.

The Friends support and celebrate the Geelong Botanic Gardens (GBG) as a place for:

plants and people
discovery and learning
ideas and innovation
engagement and pride
conservation and environment
quiet contemplation.

The Friends support a range of programs and activities within the Gardens and beyond:

a quarterly newsletter Jubaea
financial and volunteer support for the GBG Education Program
volunteers in the Gardens at the Perennial Border and the Heritage Rose Garden
the Trustee of the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens Gift Fund
the Friends' Geelong School of Botanical Art
The Friends' Plant Nursery
Volunteer Guides offer Walks and Talks and produce information brochures
the Botanic Gardens Library

New members are always welcome. Members benifits include priority information on workshops, tours, lectures and other events, regular newsletters and members discounts. If you would like more information, please contact the Friends' Office or download an Information Brochure. An FGBG Membership Application Form is also available.

Contact

Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens
PO Box 235 GEELONG VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5222 6053
Email:

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Garden Opening Hours
During Daylight Savings hours:

8:00am to 7:00pm

All other times hours:
8:00am to 5:00pm

Visit Geelong

Banner Photographs

The Bronze Cranes after Yarn Bombing 2012 (Helena Buxton)
The Pop-Up Gallery, February 2014 (Judith Kennedy)
The Silver Border and a 'Bunce Bollard' (Judith Kennedy)
Work in a Botanical Art Class (Helena Buxton)
The Perennial Border (Judith Kennedy)

The Friends are pleased to announce the arrival of our inaugural Gardeners’ 2021 Calendar.

Each month features what’s special to see in the gardens and our own gardening hints for you at home. Perfect for gift giving and supporting the Friends.

Available at the Friends’ office or buy online, includes standard Postage & Handling.

UPDATE FROM THE GARDENS:

With the 3rd step in easing restrictions in regional Victoria, the Geelong Botanic Gardens have stated that they will be making the following adjustments:

• Conservatory is now open.

• The Tea House will be open for take Away only.

• The Customs House will remain closed.

• The Gardens will remain OPEN with no change to the current opening hours.

OTHER NEWS:

Online Botanic Art classes are now available, view classes here. To register call 03 5222 6053
A recent visit by Lyndi Garnett of the Victorian Salvia Study Group. See the report and lots more in the recent newsletter.