What's On
2025 EVENTS CALENDAR WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON
JANUARY 2025
- The Office will re-open on Monday 6 January at 10.00 am.
FEBRUARY 2025
Sunday 9 February: Themed Guided Walk 'Perennial and Siver Borders', 2.00 pm at the front Gates.
Geelong Botanic Gardens has an impressive display of perennial plants and silver plants in its borders. Come and learn how these plants not only have the ability to conserve water but at the same time offer a colourful addition to our gardens. Meet your guide at the front gates. Gold coin donation appreciated.
Thursday 20 and 27 February, 9.30 am - 11.30 am
The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens will host a special Free guided walk and morning tea 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. Details and to Book
Bookings: 5229 0071 or info@friendsgbg.org.au You will receive confirmation itinerary. Free
FOR MORE POSITIVE AGEING ACTIVITIES: 2024/2025 PROGRAM
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February: 2 Day Chinese Brush Painting Workshop with Stephen Cassettari, 10.00 am 4.00pm
Experienced tutor Stephen Cassettari will introduce you to the exquisite art of Chinese Brush Painting, using a few deft strokes to create works depicting the beauty and simplicity of nature. Learn this traditional art of single brush stroke and double colour loading, to produce the classic subjects of the Four Seasons in a fascinating 2-day workshop. Stephen will also cover the Tradition-History-Philosophy of Chinese Brush Painting. Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced. Left handers catered for. Morning tea included. Capped at 12 participants. $TBC members or $TBC non members. Contact the office to book info@friendsgbg.org.au or 03 5229 0071
Monday 24 February: Open Garden and Plant Sale East Geelong, 10.30 - 12.30pm
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. Join the Friends for morning tea and the popular Friends’ members plant sale that is usually held in Spring, in this wonderful large productive garden. Members: $20, Non-Members $30
MARCH
Monday 10 March: Guest Speaker Evening - Stephen Ryan - Ellis Rohan Statue Appeal, 7.30 pm
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 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. Non-Members/Members: $TBC
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Sunday 13 March: Themed Guided Walk: 'Echoes of the past' , 2.00 pm
Discover how the trends of the times affected their layout and design, and how they still speak to us today. Stories of the history and design of the Gardens, over three centuries." Geelong' Botanic Garden has three centuries of gardens. Explore how the political, social and scientific trends of the times influenced their development. Meet your guide at the fromt steps, gold coin donation appreciated.
April
Friday 4 April: 40th Anniversary Brunch in the Gardens, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm.
More detail to come.
Sunday 10 April: Themed Guided Walk: 'The Dose Makes the Poison' 2.00pm
Our most popular brewed drinks are of course tea and coffee. Why are they so popular? It’s because they contain caffeine, an ingredient that makes these drinks so refreshing. But caffeine is a poison. Come for a guided walk in the serene Geelong Botanic Gardens to discover some of the more sinister things growing there - plants that we eat or drink that are in fact poisonous. Meet your Guide on the front steps of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, gold coin donation appreciated.
Thursday 24 April: Geelong Cemetary Walk and Talk by Chris Hudgel, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Geelong Eastern Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Victoria, with scenic grounds overlooking Geelong, Corio Bay and the You Yangs, rich in history. All are welcome to join the Friends and enjoy an informative tour of Geelong Cemetery, led by entertaining guide Chris Hudgel from the Cemeteries Trust. The tour will focus on the stories of “residents” with a link to Geelong Botanic Gardens or the horticulture world of the Geelong area. Non-Members/Members: $TBC
May
Sunday 11 May: Themed Guided Walk: 'Trees and Shrubs Suitable for the Home Garden' 2.00 pm
The Geelong Botanic Gardens are noted for their majestic trees. There are also many smaller trees and interesting shrubs suitable for the home garden which will be highlighted on this special guided walk. Join your guide, explore the Botanic Gardens landscape and relate it to your own garden. Meet your Guide on the front steps of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, gold coin donation appreciated.
Tuesday 13 May: Macedon Three Garden Autumn Self-Drive Tour
Car-pool with friends for a great day out in late Autumn, visiting Friends patron Stephen Ryans’ private rambling “Tugurium” garden at Mt Macedon, commencing with a delicious morning tea before the tour. At 12pm a home-style 2 course lunch at the Macedon Horticultural Society Hall, followed by tours of two more glorious private gardens, will complete a wonderful day for garden lovers. All- inclusive ticket and all welcome. Non-Members/Members: $TBC
Wednesday 21 May: Friends Volunteer Soup Lunch, 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm
All our wonderful Friends Volunteers are invited to come together for what has become something of a tradition for the volunteers – a delicious soup lunch crafted by our own catering team. It’s a chance to unite and enjoy each other’s company for a few hours of friendship and recognition of a job well done at the Friends. Free event.
WEEKLY PLANT SALES
The Friends’ Plant Nursery is open every Wednesday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm showcasing a wide selection of plants sourced from the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Located at the rear of the GBG.
WEEKLY GUIDED WALKS
Every Wednesday at 11.00 am, and Sunday at 2.00 pm.
For more information, or to make a booking, contact the Friends’ office on 5229 0071 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday.
