THE Geelong Botanic Gardens are the crown jewel of our city’s parks and reserves, and this beautiful natural asset is currently humming with activity, from vibrant community events to vital educational partnerships.
This year marks a significant milestone for our beloved gardens, celebrating 175 years of education, horticulture, research and conservation.
It is a joy to traverse the gardens and watch our flora shift through the seasons – there is always something new to discover.
For instance, as we transition into the heat of summer, visitors can view a rare Bat Flower in full bloom within the conservatory.
On January 26, the gardens will transform into a dancefloor as the Cool Cats Club hosts a social dance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a positive, active environment, and a fantastic way for dancers of all generations to kick up their heels.
Events in the garden will reach full bloom next month, with the Bellarine Catchment Network hosting a Twilight Wildlife Walk on February 13.
This family-friendly event is perfect for young explorers through to seasoned wildlife watchers. Witness how the gardens transform at night and watch out for nocturnal native creatures and the call of local frogs.
Be sure to get some rest though, because the following day The Pearly Shells take over the lawn as part of the Geelong Jazz Soirees Summer Series.
Bring your own picnic and indulge in a vast repertoire spanning 40s and 50s big band music, swing jazz and Latin arrangements.
If crooners are more your style, mark your calendar for February 22 when the Sinatra and the Best of Big Band event comes to the gardens.
This performance will celebrate some of our state’s best musicians and ensembles – as Sinatra said, Nothing but the Best!
And to round out the Summer Soirees Series, Bob Sedergreen and Friends will take crowds through a rousing set of jazz and blues on February 28.
To book your tickets, head to musicatgbg.com
Beyond these terrific events, our gardens play a crucial role in community education.
Late last year, the gardens partnered with Whittington Primary School to teach Year 3 and 4 students about healthy living, food value and sustainability.
By maintaining their own section of the vegetable garden, students gained a sense of ownership and belonging.
This initiative saw tangible success: student attendance increased on programmed days, and teachers reported a significant boost in motivation thanks to the hands-on, outdoor learning.
Geelong Botanic Gardens is also embarking on an exciting new project with The Gordon.
Horticulture students have been tasked with designing and establishing a new Hakea Garden, gaining practical experience propagating and cultivating Hakeas – a uniquely Australian group of plants from the Proteaceae family.
This brilliant project is an opportunity to help protect important native species and support biodiversity in our region.
Both partnerships demonstrate the vast responsibilities of our gardens. Not only does this space offer a beautiful asset to our community, but it also provides vital resources and education to students at all stages of learning.
Even if you aren’t a horticulturalist, the gardens will always offer a place of shade and solace, particularly in the warmer months.
I urge you to wander through our gardens this summer and see the incredible work being done by the dedicated staff and volunteers from the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens.
Cr Anthony Aitken
Corio Ward, City of Greater Geelong
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