Wrapping up National Volunteer Week, the dedicated Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden were out in force to help deliver another successful Open Day on what was a perfect late autumn Sunday.
The Friends of the Garden were established 40 years ago and play an active role in supporting the many activities and events such as guided tours, propagation, story time, garden maintenance, fundraising and more.
During the latest Open Day, I hopped on board the electronic buggy (which was donated to the Garden after fundraising by the Friends) for a relaxed behind-the-scenes tour led by long-time volunteers John Maxwell and Erin Bullen.
John shared the history of the gardens, including the generous donation of 16 hectares that was gifted to the city by the Hoskins Family in the 1970s. Driving through the thriving forests, past the rose gardens and an amazing collection of palms, it's hard to believe not that long ago, this was all farmlands.
The Friends are always looking for new members to get involved.
If you’re thinking about volunteering and want to know more, email friendswollongongbotanicgarden
Sunday’s Open Day also included a free guided walk through Puckey’s Estate, which is an annexure of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. It was led by Wollongong City Council’s natural areas coordinator, Greg Fikkers, who encouraged participants to consider becoming Bushcare volunteers.
Bushcare has been working in Puckey’s since 1998, helping restore more than six hectares with native vegetation. By becoming a Bushcare volunteer you can learn about environmental weeds and the best strategies for their successful removal.
New volunteers are always welcome. For more information, contact a Bushcare Officer on 4227 8113 or visit council's website.
