GEELONG Botanic Gardens recently welcomed 80 delegates from more than 20 organisations at the Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) network event.<\/p>\n
Established in 1851, the gardens are a local icon, boasting more than 4,000 species across 400 genera and 100 plant families.<\/p>\n
BGANZ represents botanic gardens across Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n
The event highlighted the 170-year-old Geelong gardens to industry professionals.<\/p>\n
Attendees took part in a tour that included the Pacific Rim garden.<\/p>\n
This garden section is home to rare Pacific plants facing threats from deforestation and climate change.<\/p>\n
It also showcases a diverse range of conifer species, collected over the years by a passionate local.<\/p>\n
A key highlight was the 150th planting anniversary of the redwood tree in July.<\/p>\n
The tree’s history traces back to a seed from California, sent by Thomas Learmonth and germinated in Geelong.<\/p>\n
The second curator of Geelong Botanic Gardens John Raddenbury planted the sapling 150 years ago, and it remains a symbol of dedicated care.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“What sets this tree apart is not only its age, but its steady growth.<\/p>\n
“Over the years it has demonstrated a medium growth rate, with an annual increase in height of approximately 10-\u00ad15 centimetres.”<\/p>\n
Year on year, this tree sees a consistent height increase of about 10-15 centimetres.<\/p>\n
The public is invited to experience the Geelong Botanic Gardens first-hand, with options for leisure, conservatory visits, and special event bookings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n