What's On
FGBG EVENT CALENDAR: 'YEAR AT A GLANCE'
March
Tuesday 19: Greenvale Bus Tour, 8.00 am to 4.45 pm
Join the Friends to experience the Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden at Bulla, a tour of stunning Villa Verde Garden at Greendale and beautiful Poyntons Nursery at Aberfeldie. Entries, morning and afternoon included. Purchase your own lunch at Poyntons Nursery café, and afternoon tea at Newport Lakes Park. Bookings by 13 March. $85 members and $95 non-members. Book online here or through the Friends’ office on 5222 6053.
April
Monday 15: Guest Speaker Gail Thomas ‘Geelong's Pioneering Vignerons and Orchardists' 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm – with supper.
Come and join the Friends for a fascinating talk by member and journalist Gail Thomas, as she pays tribute to Geelong’s Pioneering Vignerons, many of them also being early orchardists. $20 members $30 non-members. Bookings by 12 April. Book online here or through the Friends’ office on 5222 6053.
Sunday 21 April: Themed Discovery Walk 'Geelong's Remarkable Garden' 2.00 pm at the Front Gates. Description of walk to come..
May
Wednesday 1 May: Volunteer Week Lunch, 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Soup lunch to celebrate Volunteer week.
Sunday 12 May: Themed Discovery Walk 'Gondwana Story' 2.00 pm at the Front Gates
This walk is an opportunity to see the plants in Geelong Botanic Gardens which are direct descendants of the plants that lived on the southern supercontinent of Gondwana, the ancient landmass attached to Antarctica. The many plants that have miraculously survived Australia's 45 million years of separation are well-represented in our Gardens for us to enjoy. GMeet your guide at the front gates, gold coin donation is appreciated.
Thursday 16 May: Otways Day Out Coach Tour, 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Start with a guided two-hour Forrest fungi discovery walk and talk – identify and learn about the forest and the amazing fungi that live here. Followed by authentic Palestinian cuisine at ‘Dar Teta’ in the Otways. Dar Teta is Arabic for Grandmother’s House – Ellam’s love shows in everything here from the cooking to the garden and décor. On the way home we stop at Colac Botanic Gardens for afternoon tea. Ticket includes Coach travel, morning/afternoon teas, guided fungi tour, and lunch at Dar Teta. Members $110, Non-members $120. Book through the Friends’ office on 5222 6053.
Thursday 23 May: Gwen's Cooking Demo with Lunch, 11.00 am - 2.30 pm.
Join Gwen at her beautiful home for a fabulous Winter Soups demonstration, followed by a delicious gourmet lunch. 20 people maximum. Printed recipes included. $35 members and $45 non-members
June
Tuesday 18 June: Winter Lunch at The Davidson Restaurant, 1200 pm - 3.30 pm
-Guest Speaker Amanda Blake-Sutterby "Capturing rare and threatened plants through botanic art' Members $80, non-members $90. Book through the Friends’ office on 5222 6053.
July
Tuesday 9 July: Supper and Movie at the Hub "Saving Grace, 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Enjoy supper and the movie "Saving Grace" at the Hub. Members $35, Non - members $45
Sunday 14 July: Themed Discovery Walk 'The Fern Collection' 2.00 pm at the Front Gates
Come and see our wonderful collection of ferns and find out more about these special plants and the conditions needed to grow them successfully. Hear how fern fashions have changed in our Botanical Garden. Gold coin donation is appreciated.
August
Monday 26 August: Friends AGM, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
Friends AGM, with suppe and guest speaker
September
Thursday 12 September: Melton Botanic Gardens Self-Drive Tour and Lunch, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Members $40, Non-members $50
October
Tuesday 1 October: Dandenong Coach Tour, 7.45 am - 6.15 pm
Chelsea Gardens and Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden; Cloudehill; Kawarra.
Members $85, Non-members $95.
November
Thursday 7 November: Through the Garden Gates, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
A popular self-drive tour of upto four local private gardens, more details to come.
Members $40, Non-members $50
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 5222 6053 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Friday.