Botanic gardens ready to bloom for Open Day

ONE of Geelong’s oldest institutions is gearing up for its biggest day of the year as it prepares to open its doors to the public for a day of free activities and entertainment.

The Geelong Botanic Gardens is inviting the community to take in its historical and lush surroundings this Sunday, October 8 from 10am-2pm for this year’s Open Day.

Greater Geelong mayor Councillor Trent Sullivan says residents will have a raft of activities to partake in during the Open Day.

“Highlights of the event include the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s Welcome to Country smoking ceremony and ochre face painting, pot planting sessions with the Geelong Organic Gardeners, guided tours, and mesmerizing magic shows by the renowned Dazzling Dan the Magic Man,” Cr Sullivan said.

“With an array of food options and live music, there is plenty to see and do.”

Several local environmental organisations will attend the Geelong Botanic Gardens Open Day, such as the Australian Plants Society Geelong and Beekeepers Geelong.

The day will also offer visitors a chance to engage with plant enthusiasts and knowledgeable volunteers of Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

East Geelong wife and husband Allison and Ian Martland both joined the Friends of the Geelong Botanic Garden in 2010.

Both volunteers acknowledged the gardens have played a vital role in the fabric of Geelong’s history for almost 175 years and most recently in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We really encourage people to come down on Sunday and have a look, especially those have yet to walk through the location,” Allison said.

“So many people told us the gardens was their saviour during the pandemic, a place to escape to when the city was locked down – those people have a strong connection to the gardens, and we know so many more can feel the same thing at Sunday’s Open Day.”

Ian described the Geelong Botanic Gardens as one of the municipality’s crown jewels.

“By hosting the community on Sunday, the Council is able to showcase to its constituents what it can offer, it’s a showcase for people to enjoy and be a part of,” he said.

“It’s also a great opportunity for the Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens to showcase what it does and how it assists in keeping the gardens one of the region’s most respected attractions.”

The city is seeking feedback on how the Geelong Botanic Gardens will grow into the future.

An online survey closes on November 4 on the city’s Have Your Say page.

Community members can also leave feedback by attending the Open Day on October 8.