A new Conservation and Research Garden featuring a living collection of threatened plant species has opened at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, as part of celebrations for the upcoming Botanic Gardens Day 2018.
Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis joined ANBG Curator of Living Collections David Taylor and President Botanic Gardens Australia New Zealand Paul Tracey, to officially open the new garden.
ANBG Curator of Living Collections David Taylor said visitors will be able to see first-hand the conservation work botanic gardens are involved in.
“The new garden contributes to the conservation of many threatened plants and by having these species here growing and thriving, acts as an insurance policy for the remaining plants surviving in the wild,” David said.
National Botanic Gardens Day Ambassador Costa Georgiadis said the day is the perfect time to visit one of the 70 gardens across Australia and New Zealand participating in Botanic Gardens Day on Sunday 27 May.
“The beauty of Botanic Gardens Day is it’s a great time to get outdoors and join in one of the special tours, events and exhibitions being held across the country. There’s fun activities for visitors of all ages and whether you’re a regular or haven’t visited before, come and say hi and discover all the great things on offer at your local botanic garden,” Costa said.
The event is an initiative of the Botanic Gardens Australia New Zealand (BGANZ) association.
BGANZ President Paul Tracey said Botanic gardens have operated in Australia and New Zealand since the 1800s and while their role has evolved over time, the fundamental purpose of the garden has remained – conservation, research and education.
“Across Australia and New Zealand our Botanic Gardens are wonderful spaces attracting more than 30 million visitors per year,” Paul said.
“This is a day to celebrate these natural assets and the important work that goes on behind the scenes.”
As part of Botanic Gardens Day, ANBG will host a series of workshops where participants can make their own bees wax wraps, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food wrap, as well as Printing with Plants workshop with local artists Jennifer and Phil from Wellspring Environmental Arts & Design.
