Friends celebrate 40 years of garden care

THE Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens has celebrated its 40th anniversary in style, with a special visit from the Governor of Victoria.

The group were joined by Professor Margaret Gardner earlier this month to celebrate their big occasion.

The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens began with a meeting of ten gardening and botany enthusiasts in November 1985.

Since then, they have raised almost $1 million and dedicated tens of thousands of hours to supporting the maintenance of the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Their work has also included educating the public on the garden’s history and its incredible variety of plants.

Her Excellency congratulated the Friends on their efforts.

“This community group is contributing to an enhanced appreciation of these beautiful gardens,” she said.

“Through the last forty years, the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens have ensured the preservation of this part of Victoria’s rich cultural and environmental history.”

Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj agreed. “The Geelong Botanic Gardens are an incredible natural landmark and a crown jewel of our city,” he said.

“On behalf of the City of Greater Geelong, I would like to thank the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens for all their important work over the past four decades.”