Garden plans blossom towards reality

THE realisation of plan for a local botanical gardens at Heathcote is moving forward in part due to the hard work and planning of members of the local branch of the Australian Plants Society and community support.

After several past proposals fell through, the group, in its second year, has formed a sub-committee to focus on the project.

The members are working to secure a suitable site with the City of Greater Bendigo, and in particular Eppalock Ward representative Cr Margaret O’Rourke.

“They have been very supportive and helpful,’ said project secretary Tanya Biagioni. “We are pleased with how the project is progressing.”

Australian Plants Society members aim for the preservation, promotion of, and education about, native plants.

The proposed botanical gardens would feature rare and endangered species, a bush tucker section, and APS memebrs hope to develop a seed bank to ensure the continuation of vulnerable indigenous plants.

Community participation will be welcomed welcomed in the project.

Australian Plants Society Heathcote, which has more than forty members, hopes to offer propagation workshops and information on how to incorporate native species into home gardens.

In April, the group hosted a successful flower and plant show with visitors coming from as far away as Warrnambool.

On Sunday, October 29, they will hold their second annual Open Garden Day featuring members’ own gardens and funds raised will to go towards the Botanical Gardens project.

The Australian Plants Society Heathcote meets on the second Tuesday each month at 7pm, at the Senior Citizens’ Hall, 121 High Street at Heathcote.

Meetings include guest speakers and light refreshments and for further information, contact [email protected].