Geelong Botanic Gardens host international event

GEELONG Botanic Gardens recently welcomed 80 delegates from more than 20 organisations at the Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) network event.

Established in 1851, the gardens are a local icon, boasting more than 4,000 species across 400 genera and 100 plant families.

BGANZ represents botanic gardens across Australia and New Zealand.

The event highlighted the 170-year-old Geelong gardens to industry professionals.

Attendees took part in a tour that included the Pacific Rim garden.

This garden section is home to rare Pacific plants facing threats from deforestation and climate change.

It also showcases a diverse range of conifer species, collected over the years by a passionate local.

A key highlight was the 150th planting anniversary of the redwood tree in July.

The tree’s history traces back to a seed from California, sent by Thomas Learmonth and germinated in Geelong.

The second curator of Geelong Botanic Gardens John Raddenbury planted the sapling 150 years ago, and it remains a symbol of dedicated care.

Co-ordinator Kellee Reissinger said the tree had flourished thanks to the meticulous care and dedicated stewardship of those who have been involved with the Gardens.

“What sets this tree apart is not only its age, but its steady growth.

“Over the years it has demonstrated a medium growth rate, with an annual increase in height of approximately 10-­15 centimetres.”

Year on year, this tree sees a consistent height increase of about 10-15 centimetres.

The public is invited to experience the Geelong Botanic Gardens first-hand, with options for leisure, conservatory visits, and special event bookings.