Major upgrade spruces up Geelong Botanic Gardens

THE works on the new Sustainable Visitor Facility and the Pacific Rim Garden Project at Geelong Botanic Gardens are now complete.

Covering just over two hectares in size, these works represent the largest development in the gardens for more than 20 years.

The Pacific Rim Garden displays rare plants from the Pacific region including pines, conifers, sequoias and cedars, all of which have been collected from areas threatened by deforestation and climate change.

For 30 years, plant collector Alistair Watt travelled to the most remote corners of the Pacific region to find these species. Geelong Botanic Gardens began their propagation in 2005, with the north-facing aspect of the landscape providing optimal growing conditions.

The plants are members of the Gymnosperm species and have been sourced from New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand, South East Asia, Vietnam, China, North America, Chile, Central and South America and Australia.

The Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens provided funded the plants, as well as the restored Furphy water tank that is now on display and cost $3,000 to transport, restore and connect to potable water supply.

This tank was originally used in the gardens 100 years ago. It is a fine example of the famous water cart created by John Furphy for use in farming and for delivering water to Australian troops during World War I.

Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens president Allison Martland said the group was delighted to fund the restoration of the historic tank.

“It is wonderful to see it sit so well in the newest area of the gardens.

“With the casting date of 1920 stamped on the tank it is fitting that this beautifully restored icon of Australia is revived exactly 100 years later, as we celebrate the opening of an amazing facility and a garden that will mature over the next 100 years.

“The Friends congratulate the gardens management and staff on achieving such a magnificent space for all to enjoy.”

The new open-air Sustainable Visitor Facility will be used for education programs, events, and entertainment and will become available for private bookings. The facility, which includes new toilet facilities for visitors, is surrounded by the sustainable, drought-tolerant garden.

The project has been delivered over 18 months, with the construction of the Sustainable Visitor Facility beginning in February 2019, and the civil and landscaping works starting in January 2020.

Cr Anthony Aitken, chair of the city works, parks and gardens portfolio, congratulated everyone involved in the project.

“These are great new assets to the gardens. To deliver this during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a commendable achievement,” he said.

“The visitor centre adds a new and unique venue for live entertainment and performances.”

The $2.2 million centre was funded by the city.