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City of Wollongong

Leafing through the Botanic Garden’s History

Thursday 4 March 2021

The Friends of the Wollongong Botanic Garden will this weekend launch a coffee table-style book that celebrates the 50-year history of the Garden at an exhibition at Old Wollongong Court House from Saturday 6 March.

The book captures the origins of the Gardens and uses historic photographs, documents and maps to chart the development of the site from grassy paddocks into the thriving greenspace that’s enjoyed by 500,000 visitors each year today.

“The Wollongong Botanic Garden is an important space for so many in our city. It can be a place of relaxation, a social hub as well as a place to get a better understanding of local flora and fauna,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“It’s fascinating to turn the pages of the book and see how the garden has evolved over the past five decades. For example, it’s striking to look at the 1980s section and see pictures of the first plantings in the dry mound and the Rotunda just after it was donated.

“These spaces look so different today and it’s a reminder of how far the Gardens have come in a relatively short time.’’

Today the Garden plays a key role in the city’s urban greening focus, and on-site Greenplan program and nursery propagates about 80,000 plants a year that are used across the city or purchased by residents for their home gardens.

Wollongong’s garden was one of the first in the world to receive the Botanic Gardens Conservation International’s Botanic Garden Accreditation in recognition of its efforts in plant conservation and education.

The Towri Bush Tucker Garden provides an opportunity to learn more about Illawarra species used by Aboriginal people and Sculptures in the Garden, which is running until March 14, provides an additional creative drawcard.

“There is so much to see and do in the Garden and, as with the seasons, what is on offer is always changing and evolving. It’s always a pleasure to explore the Garden,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

Discover Wollongong Botanic Garden was prepared by the Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden with support from Wollongong City Council. It’s $25 a copy and is available while stock lasts at the Exhibition, at Greenplan sale days or by emailing botanicgarden@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.

The book will be launched and on sale at the Old Wollongong Courthouse, Belmore Basin, this weekend.

The Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden the two-day exhibition features selected photos and botanic art works from the book. The exhibition is from 10am-4pm, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March.


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