THE Friends of the Botanic Gardens in Coffs Harbour are embracing the theme of Botanic Gardens Week, 19–25 May, with a series of free visitor activities in line with the powerful message, “Guardians of the Green: Protecting Our Future”.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s event highlights the critical role botanic gardens play in conservation, education, and community engagement.
Just as zoos conserve wildlife, educate the public, and connect people to animals, botanic gardens across Australia and New Zealand do the same for plants – safeguarding rare and threatened species, inspiring learning, and fostering deep connections with nature.
According to Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand CEO Cassandra Nichols, “Botanic gardens are so much more than people realise.
“Like zoos, they are essential in protecting our natural world.
“By visiting your local botanic garden, you are supporting our future.”
As part of this international network, Coffs’ botanic garden will be running Botanic Gardens Week events that immerse visitors in all these themes, including free walks and seed bank tours.
“We are very proud of the work we do here to protect endangered species, both plant and animal such as our work with the Syzygium glenum tree, and plants such as the endangered swamp orchid and king ferns,” Friends of the Garden President, Graham Tupper told News Of The Area.
“The garden is a 20-hectare nature refuge offering a signposted path network of over 5km.
“More than half of the garden area is an old natural forest with an abundance of birds and other wildlife.
“More than 10,000 species live in the garden including gliders, koalas and the Powerful Owl.
“We hope locals will take advantage of some of the extra activities we have in Botanic Garden Week, or maybe just take a stroll, bring a picnic, or book an e-buggy tour.”
On Wednesday there’s the Garden’s fundraiser for the Cancer Council, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Saturday’s schedule offers a free Seasonal Observations Walk and an arts event and on Sunday there’s the Our Habitat Our Home tour.
Visit the garden website and socials for more details www.coffsbotanicgarden.com.au.
By Andrea FERRARI
