Celebrate Botanic Gardens Day

Coffs Harbour has a fantastic and fascinating Botanic Garden and on May 26 it will be celebrating Botanic Gardens Day with a packed programme of events and workshops. Everyone is welcome.

There will be a Plant Fair from 9am-2pm with exotics to natives, orchids to bromeliads and more on sale. You can also talk to the specialist growers and learn how to get the best out of your garden. Plus there will be a variety of children’s activities including:

Colouring and craft – 9am-2pm. Seed ball making from 10-11am. Come and get your hands dirty and learn how to make seed balls for the storage and distribution of native and exotic seeds. Creatures of the forest floor 11.30-12.30pm. Explore the often-forgotten fauna that inhabit the forest floor. There are thousands of creatures working at keeping the natural and garden areas healthy and vibrant. Come have a look at what is hiding under your feet.

For those who want to learn, as well as enjoy the day, the Garden is also hosting a number of workshops with local experts:

10am-11am: Do you own a small acreage? Then this workshop will explain your responsibilities under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, how to help in the fight against invasive weeds that threaten our environment and ways to best control the numerous noxious weeds that that could be hiding in your area building up a seed bank that will plague you for years to come. Bush Regeneration. 11am-12am: This will assist you in the process of creating your own natural bush land piece of paradise and get an understanding of how linked our flora and fauna are and the rewards that come with a natural setting. At the very least, you will learn what not to grow at home as some of our garden plants have an impact on our surrounding native bush land. Introduction to Local Trees. 12.30-2pm: Stroll through the Botanic Garden and learn about our amazing local trees. Native Bees. 2pm-3pm: Immerse yourself in the world of native bees and other pollinators.

There will also be a series of Guided Walking Tours around the Garden from 10am-2pm.

The Garden consists of 19 hectares of native and exotic species all set out into flora from difrferent countries, but you can also take a people mover ride through the garden for a quick 20-minute tour. Or get a lift to the Japanese Garden for a picnic lunch. The people mover is only $2 per person and a great way to see the Garden in all its beauty.

If you don’t want to bring your own lunch, then come to the Café for a coffee and light refreshments, or enjoy the BBQ which will be running from 10am till 2pm. You can also take the opportunity to talk to the Garden volunteers about offering your voluntary services – it’s not just about gardening!