Do you Love The Garden?

Well why not join the Friends of the Botanic Garden and become a volunteer?

A love of plants and nature is all you need! You don’t need to know detailed information about any plants.

“That’s one of the things people often think.” Says Front Area Roster Coordinator, Rob Watt. “I do know a little about Australian plants, but not exotics, and I started here five years ago weeding and now manage the shop and information area. “We have had a number of our stalwarts retire and so need more people. Shifts are 3.5 hours. Either 9 to 12.30pm or 12.30pm to 4pm. We offer full training and support and you can try it out before you commit to a regular shift. Some people come in weekly, others a couple of times a month. It is what suits you. There are often interesting events happening in the display room too.”

Bev Hall has now been volunteering at the garden for ten years. When we asked her why she responded: “Because it is the best place to work. The people I work here with are all lovely and visitors to the garden are also friendly. I love it. I not only do a shift in the shop every week, but I also top up the plant sales area from trays left by the planting volunteers.” Geoff Scott is a new recruit. “I don’t know anything about plants at all. I go in once a week and help with the administration of the shop. I am really enjoying being part of this team and would encourage others to come and join in.”

Rob & Bev pictured above.

Patsy Caves has been volunteering for the garden for several years. “I do all the ordering for the shop, occasionally do a shift there when someone is away or ill and I love driving the electric buggy for weddings and other events.”

Though the garden is managed by the council there are only a couple of paid staff, everything else is completed by volunteers, from looking after the library, to maintaining the website, social media sites, venue booking, plant databases, running guided tours, maintaining the gardens and much more.

“There is a role for everyone at the Botanic Garden”. Says Graham Tupper, President of the Friends of the Garden “From helping with garden weeding and mulching through ti welcoming visitors, guiding and administrative support roles – there are a variety if ways to contribute and to make new friends along the way.” To become a volunteer call into the front desk or check out this link. Go on…give it a click!