director’s report - home | royal botanic gardens victoria€¦ · 2 volume 22 — number 2 —...

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NEWSLETTER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS CRANBOURNE, INC.

Plant appreciation

Botanic gardens across the globe are special places for plants … special plants. But what makes plants in a botanic garden special? Surely not just because they are within a botanic garden. The loving care that is bestowed upon them by curators might make them especially healthy and upstanding fine specimens, but does that make them special? Or is it the adoration of those who come to experience them in their privileged surrounds—to look, touch, smell and admire them. That may make the plants ‘feel’ special (open to conjecture), but is a Banksia serrata or Eucalyptus camaldulensis in a botanic garden setting any more special than the myriad others of the same species living happily out ‘in the wild’?

It is, of course, all very subjective. And at the end of the day, for me, the important thing is that the plants are appreciated and valued, whatever the rationale—be that conservation value, habitat value, cultural significance, arboricultural significance—for the benefits they provide by way of ecosystem services, or quite simply as things of beauty.

The National Trust of Australia plays an important role in this ‘appreciation and advocacy’ space through their register of significant trees. There have been about 2500 significant tree records across Australia compiled by the National Trust over the last 30 years, and I am very pleased to report that there is a new addition: our very own Nuytsia floribunda, or West Australian Christmas Tree, growing on Howson Hill within the Australian Garden. The Nuytsia has been granted ‘State’ significance on the Significant Tree Register, predominantly for its rarity outside its natural range in Western Australia. Following encouragement by some ardent appreciators (most prominently Alex Smart) the Gardens nominated the specimen for consideration by the Victorian Significant Tree Committee and we are delighted with the outcome. The statement of significance notes that this species is extremely rare in cultivation due to the great difficulty in propagating and growing-on to mature size. It also notes this as the most southerly growing specimen in the world and one of only a few growing outside Western Australia. There is a detailed account of the establishment and protection of the

Director’s report

Chris Russell

Friends of the Royal BotanicGardens Cranbourne, Inc.1000 Ballarto RoadCranbourne Victoria 3977

Inc no. A0025281B ABN 43 551 008 609

http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support/support-groups/friends-of-rbg/cranbourne

Highlights

in this issueCelia Rosser story 4

Ferns & cycads workshop 7

Callistemon & melaleucaworkshop 7

Discovery day—MorningtonPeninsula 11

The Gum Queens were the stars of the show at the Woodlands Walk as part of Nature Play

Week. Photo: Luke Saffigna

The very special Nuytsia floribunda on Howson Hill. Photo: Warren Worboys

Cranbourne Day Care and Kinder is one of five regular groups using RBG Cranbourne as a site

for Bush Kinder. Photo: Mick Robertson

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The Herbarium Collectors would like to pay a special tribute to our dear friend and colleague George Wardrop, who passed away at home on 12 February.

George was a member of our group from its beginning in November 2001. He was one of our lead photographers, and has left, along with Robin Allison and Dan Listen, an enormous body of work. Every plant we have collected—now over seven hundred—has been photographed in detail, and along with a photo of the field note, stored in our computer and also provided to the Royal Herbarium Melbourne. An invaluable record for now and for many future generations. George also liked to include a photo of the plant in the landscape, for an added understanding of size and habitat. He spent countless hours cataloguing the collection, recording both alphabetically, and by tag numbers.

A lively companion on our bush searches, he kept us on our toes with stories, Shakespearian quotes, and discussions over a wide range of topics. His one-on-one advice and opinions were invaluable. Always given with humour and empathy.

Here are some reminiscences from HC members:

Great to work with. A man of wide interests and knowledge. An ingenious problem solver with a wicked sense of humour. Generous in giving and sharing his time and skills.

On collection days, as we brought up the rear, we slow walkers [George and Pat] discussed opera and Shakespeare, with George doing most of the talking. Always in gumboots, he dragged his shopping jeep, which stored his tripod, plastic sheets, umbrella etc., lifting it over shrubs and tree branches as he crashed along. Vast number of hours were spent on research and questioning as he grappled with the new computer. A superb photographer.

On the odd occasion we came across a skink, invariably covered in ticks, we would hand the tweezers to George, the retired GP. With his Buddhist philosophy, and to our dismay, he would flick the ticks off into the bush, doubtless to live and find another prey.

One of a kind, a complete individual. We will not meet such a combination of intellect, personality and talent again.

We miss him.

—The Herbarium Collectors

Vale George Wardrop

specimen through the efforts of our Curator of Horticulture, Warren Worboys, included in the listing. Go to <http://trusttrees.org.au/tree/VIC/Cranbourne/1000_Ballarto_Road#>.

Nature play

There is increasing concern from many about the trend of screens and indoor spaces replacing time outdoors and in contact with the natural world, particularly for children. Technological advances and increased reliance on computers, smart phones and other devices, coupled with a trend toward more risk-averse parenting, more regulated child care and town planning decisions are all contributing to this profound change in childhood experience. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that this phenomenon is having detrimental impacts on the mental, physical and emotional development of our young people, and more broadly on the appreciation of the natural environment. The RBG has been doing something about it by being a key partner with the Kids in Nature Network in the establishment of Nature Play Week. The second annual week was held from 11 to 19 April and featured nearly 70 events across Victoria and beyond, staged by over 40 organisations, from small play groups to large government departments, with the official launch including a special RBG workshop at Malmsbury Botanic Gardens. RBG Cranbourne held a well-attended seminar exploring the rapidly growing early

learning model of Bush Kinder, with guest speakers Sue Elliot from the University of New England, and Bush Kinder pioneer Doug Fargher. We also hosted the annual Woodlands Walk in partnership with City of Casey, providing an interactive walk to the Woodlands Picnic Area incorporating storytelling, literacy, and Nature Play activities. Over 200 preschool-aged kids attended (with their parents!).

Other news and happenings

We are excited to be launching our new visual identity on 1 June 2015. In line with our new vision, mission and values, we have undertaken a review of our organisational identity, recognising that we have evolved significantly over the past 20 years, adding new landscapes, shops and other elements, which have made our current hierarchy of brands and logos difficult to understand for supporters and the general community. The launch will include a new logo, uniform and other changes, but more on that at the launch.

At Cranbourne we are moving along with a range of shed constructions as part of our depot completion project. Over the coming months we will erect the soil sterilisation facility and soil bays next to the potting shed, a new shed to house the Garden Explorer people mover, a shed for fire equipment and possum-proofing part of our nursery outdoor area. The Friends have generously agreed to contribute to aspects of this work, which is greatly appreciated.

Yarn bombing trees is one of the activities enjoyed by kids as part of Woodlands Walk. Photo: Luke Saffigna

George in the RBG Cranbourne bush doing what he enjoyed greatly! Photo: Dan Listen

George Wardrop. Photo: Ann Wardrop

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From the President

Richard Clarke

There is always a risk in promoting what I believe will be ‘exciting events’ in Naturelink well ahead of time. It is very comforting to review it later and know that those promotions lived up to our expectations!

Recent openings

This has certainly been the case for the last three months. First of all there was the opening of the Friends Elliot Centre and the Growing Friends Nursery on 1 February by His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC accompanied by Mrs Chernov. A description of this highly successful event, which was organised by the Friends, is contained elsewhere in Naturelink. Mrs Chernov is a keen gardener and left the Gardens with a selection of Australian native plants to add to the Australian Native Garden at Government House.

Fabulous textiles

The next event was the increasingly popular textile exhibition organised by the Botanical Fabricators in conjunction with Leesa Chandler. This very successful 10-day exhibition brought in over 2500 visitors, many of whom had not visited the Gardens before, and raised over $8000.

Plant sales and possums

Plant sales were held beside the kiosk late in March. The quality of the plants was excellent and a great testament to the dedicated Growing Friends, who spend many hours preparing the plants for sale. Sales amounted to over $12,500—just shy of the record. For about 18 months, the Growing Friends had been working alongside the Gardens Nursery staff in their Nursery, a situation brought about by the new Administration Centre requiring the old Friends Nursery site for their building. The Friends are grateful to the Gardens management for the cooperation and friendship that developed over this period. While sharing the Nursery, the Friends became very aware of the damage that was being caused by possums. The Friends are now very pleased to be able to assist in resolving these problems by funding a large possum-proof cage in the Eastern end of the Nursery. This was agreed at the April committee meeting of the Friends and quotes are now being sought by Management. Possum proofing will allow the Nursery staff to produce higher quality plants and to have more control over the plant production processes.

A new Garden Explorer

A series of discussions is being opened up with the Gardens Management to explore ways and means of integrating programs run by the Gardens and the Friends. As part of this process Gardens Management will provide the Friends with a ‘wish list’ of projects for which the Friends might consider funding or providing assistance. A project that is high on the ‘wish list’ is a second Garden Explorer. Such a vehicle will be very useful in (a) providing extended or specialised group tours, (b) providing additional passenger capacity during peak periods, and (c) providing a reserve vehicle when one of them breaks down or requires servicing. The committee decided at their April meeting that the Friends should assist in the funding of a second ‘Garden Explorer’. The Gardens Management is now seeking quotes.

Workshops and tours

A very successful plant genus workshop was held in April, which focused on eucalypts, with outstanding presenters addressing 85 participants. The Friends provided 10 free places to Gardens staff as part of their professional development training. Looking to the future, two tours, each of 20 Friends will be visiting Lord Howe Island in May followed by another tour of 20 people in June. A tour to the Little Desert in August is already fully booked with 40 Friends going.

Activities planning day, all welcome!

It is with great pleasure that I welcome many new members to the Friends. I encourage all of you to become involved in the many activities that we organise. I would also encourage all Friends to note Sunday 5 July in their diaries. This is the day when we plan the following year’s events (i.e. 2016) and when we generate the ideas for workshops, discovery days and trips to places of interest. If you can’t come on the day, please send us your ideas by email or letter.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge with thanks the invitation from the Board of the RBG to present a paper at their April Board Meeting in Cranbourne at which I was able to acquaint the Board with the many activities and events that are undertaken by the Friends.

Saturday 25 andSunday 26 July

10.00am–4.00pm

RBG Cranbournefollow signs in carpark

CASH or CHEQUE ONLY15% discount for members

Growing Friends winter plant sale

Left-hand image: Drawing of Rhododendron viriosum by John Armstrong


JUNE13–20Discovery tour 3—Lord Howe Island (fully booked)

16 TuesdayDiscovery day—Sustainability on the Mornington Peninsula, see autumn Naturelink

21 SundayAfternoon talk—‘Celia Rosser in the field’, Carolyn Landon, author, see page 4

JULY5 Sunday2016 Activities planning day, see page 4

19 SundayAfternoon talk—‘Why botanists need geologists’, John Webb, La Trobe University, see page 5

28 TuesdayDiscovery Day—Wonthaggi Desalination Plant, see page 6

AUGUST2 SundayPlant workshop—Frondly ferns and captivating cycads, see page 7

Saturday 8 – Wednesday 12Discovery tour—Little Desert and surrounds, with Maree and Graham Goods (fully booked)

16 SundayAfternoon talk—’Where to for climate change’, Prof David Karoly, University of Melbourne, see page 5

29 SaturdayDiscovery day bus tour—Heritage Australian trees, see page 6

SEPTEMBER

6 SundayDiscovery day—Bayside Australian gardens, see page 6

13 SundayPlant genus workshop—Callistemon and melaleuca, see page 7

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR FOR JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2015

We hope that you can join us and help plan some exciting activities for 2016

The day is free of any charges and comes with a copious supply of gratis tea and plunger coffee, plus many scrumptious nibbles!

All you need is to bring yourself, lunch and ideas!

Can you make it on 5 July and spend a few hours in convivial company to plan an exciting and stimulating program so that we get the best shot at reflecting the widest range possible of Friends’ views?

We will have a brainstorming session to generate activity ideas in the morning. If you wish, you can call it a day then but you will also be very welcome to join the Committee and Activities Subcommittee after lunch for the rest of the day as we forge an interesting 2016 program.

If you have any ideas for activities, but are unable to attend the meeting, do not neglect to pass them onto Chloe Foster, who is co-ordinating the day. Her phone number is 9725 3569 and her email address is <[email protected]>.

We would really love to see you there.

—Friends RBG Cranbourne Committee

British Museum botanist William Stearn described Celia Rosser’s paintings of banksias as exquisite works of art. He said, ‘Their grace and accuracy entitle them to be placed alongside the superb Australian wildflower paintings of the great Ferdinand Bauer’. Renowned botanical art historian Wilfred Blunt told Celia the world had been waiting 200 years for an artist of the calibre of Bauer and Redouté to emerge. The men in the Botany Department at Monash University recognised her gifts and placed her at the centre of their ambitious Banksia Project, giving her free reign to pursue her objective of perfection any way she needed to.

In Celia’s time a botanical artist often waited in the studio for botanists to collect specimens for them to paint. After working this way painting the six endemic Victorian banksias for the Maud Gibson Trust, Celia insisted that for the Monash Banksia Project she must go

Friends RBG Cranbourne 2016 activities planning day

Sunday 5 July 9.30am–1.00pm

Elliot Centre RBG Cranbourne (Note change of location this year)

Afternoon talk

’Celia Rosser in the field’

Carolyn LandonAuthor of Banksia lady: Celia Rosser, botanical artist

Sunday 21 June 2.00pm

Australian Garden Auditorium, RBGC

members $15 non-members $20

Celia Rosser at work, painting a banksia


This should be a fascinating afternoon!

John’s talk will cover the use of remote sensing images to determine vegetation distribution, nutrient levels, topography and soil types. Plants can grow in a very wide range of soils and in some cases plants can have very specific requirements, whether they be acidic or alkaline. Some plants that occur in acidic soils will rarely adapt to alkaline soils, but soils from alkaline soils will readily adapt to cultivation in acidic soils. In nature there can be a prominent and visible demarcation line with different plants occurring on different soils in very close proximity. Some plants are found on only one soil type. How can geologists be of value to botanists in solving some these quandaries?

The bulk of John’s research and teaching is on groundwater, both in terms of resources and chemistry, with current research projects on the influence of climate and land-use change on groundwater funded through the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning and the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. Other research projects focus on improving

treatment procedures for acid mine drainage and understanding the formation of acid sulphate soils. His geomorphological interests centre on karst (he has caved extensively in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand), as well as tectonic geomorphology and the interaction between landscape evolution and human settlement. John has worked on the geomorphology of archaeological sites in Australia, China, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

Climate and climate variability have been much reported in the media in recent years by various commentators, and some of these reports can be considered to be misguided. In this lecture, David will explain what climate is and what is changing. Will these changes have an impact on us—will they be local, global or both? We will hear what the latest research is indicating and the mitigation that is required.

David’s research activities include climate variability and climate change, greenhouse climate change, ozone depletion and climate variations due to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Recently, he has been studying the impacts of climate change on weather extremes and their impacts on human and natural systems.

In December this year, the Paris Conference (Conference of Parties, known as COP21)

will need to make significant global decisions about the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These will, in some respects, affect the world economy, particularly where fossil fuel reduction programs are required. David’s input to this Conference is at the highest level of decision making.

His earlier work with the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), along with that of the many other lead authors and review editors, contributed to the IPCC’s winning the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize—won jointly by the IPCC and Al Gore.

Professor Karoly joined the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne in May 2007 after receiving a Federation Fellowship from the Australian Research Council.

—Tim Morrow

Afternoon talk

‘Why botanists need geologists’

Dr John A Webb Associate Professor Environmental Geoscience, La Trobe University

Sunday 19 July 2.00pm–3.30pm



Afternoon talk

‘Where to for climate change?’

Professor David Karoly Chair of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne

Sunday 16 August 2.00pm



out into the field with her botanists to find and collect the ‘type specimens’ she needed to create the paintings that would most clearly demonstrate the beauty and character of the plants.

It is unique that, over a period of 25 years, Celia went all over Australia to collect every plant she painted, including the flower at Kirkalocka from the Banksia rosserae, the most recent banksia to be discovered and named.

Carolyn Landon will speak to the Friends about Celia’s experiences in the field, and about the botanists, naturalists and artists with whom she worked.

Banksia coccinea, watercolour painting by Celia Rosser

Carolyn Landon

Associate Professor John Webb


Discovery day bus tour

Heritage Australian trees

Saturday 29 August 8.00am–5.00pm

Pick-up points 8.00am Burnley Gardens 8.45am Cranbourne

Expressions of interest required $80 per person

This will be a fascinating tour under the leadership of John Fordham, a renowned arborist and heritage tree specialist. He is also President of the Friends of Burnley Gardens. John has run a number of heritage tree tours for the National Trust and Friends of the Burnley Gardens, but they have not concentrated on Australian trees. John has been gathering information on special trees in Victoria for many years so there are sure to be some surprises for us.

This tour will be a joint activity with members of the Friends of Burnley Gardens, and on the day we will travel as far as Dromana. At this stage we do not have a definite itinerary as it is still in the planning

stage. You will need to BYO lunch and drinks.

The tour has two pick-up and drop-off points, one at Burnley Gardens and one in Cranbourne at a location yet to be decided.

At the moment what we are asking you to do is register an expression of interest on the Booking Form if you would like to participate in the tour. We will need at least 30 participants to enable the tour to proceed.

—Rodger Elliot

Discovery day

Wonthaggi Desalination Plant

Tuesday 28 July 11.00am–4.00pm


Another opportunity to visit the Desalination Plant!

Whilst we claimed that the previous trip was a ‘rare chance’ to explore this remarkable if controversial plant, whose design and development has so far garnered many architectural awards, we have succeeded in gaining another chance for those who missed out last time to visit the Desal Plant and surrounding spectacular coastland.

The day will follow the format of the previous trip last November. We will be guided through the industrial plant, and the desalination process will be described. Weather permitting we will climb onto the largest roof garden in the southern hemisphere. We will walk around the 225ha ecological reserve surrounding this remarkably well-camouflaged building. We

will view coastal dunes, ponds, remnant vegetation and a wetland with a bird hide. Some 2.5 million indigenous plants have been planted and their progress will be observed.

More information will be sent to those who register for the day. We would especially encourage everyone to car pool if at all possible. If you cannot find someone to share the journey, contact Margaret Clarke, who may be able to put you in touch with someone. Morning tea will be provided, but lunch on William Beach will be BYO, including drinks. Be prepared for all weathers and make sure you wear walking shoes.

A map and further information will be provided to those who book for the day.

For information contact Margaret Clarke on 0419 349 492.

Discovery day

Bayside gardens

Sunday 6 September 10.00am–3.00pm

Meeting location to be advised


Contact Jill Burness on 0402 477 590 or 5990 2208 if you have any queries.

Stunning private gardens and the native foreshore of Beaumaris

On this day, we will visit the Beaumaris area, highlighting the beachside vegetation and a couple of local gardens. Located on grey and highly porous sands, these gardens provide some significant challenges for the gardener. No self-respecting worm would choose to visit these soils, unless the owner invests heavily in mulch, compost and manure. As a result, these gardens use a combination of native and exotic plants to make a virtue of necessity. The beachside character of Beaumaris has been retained with the use of old, gnarled tea-trees and vegetation spilling onto the nature strip. The landscape designs demonstrate some innovative details, practical solutions and some really beautiful spaces. These gardens are fun, family friendly and have a ‘wow’ factor.

Lunch (BYO) will be held at the Ricketts Point picnic area on the foreshore, where there is a magnificent stand of indigenous Banksia integrifolia. Bring appropriate clothing

(i.e. layers), and comfortable walking shoes. You know the deal. Let me know if you have mobility issues, so we can help you to participate. The number of participants will be limited to 30, so book early if you are interested. We will try to arrange some car-pooling.

—Jill Burness

Front garden of sculptured native plants and artwork.


Plant genus workshop

Callistemons and melaleucas

Sunday 13 September 10.00am–4.00pm



Almost everyone has a callistemon or a melaleuca in their home garden, but how much do you really know about them? Did you know that they are so closely related to each other that some botanists contend that they should belong in the same genus? Did you know that tea tree oil comes from a melaleuca species, M. alternifolia? These are only some of the interesting facts that you will learn at this workshop.

Our speakers will include Dr Frank Udovicic of the RBG Melbourne, who has studied the evolutionary history of melaleucas and callistemons; Dr Charles Young, who has a background in chemistry and horticulture; Barrie Gallacher, a landscape architect; and our very own Rodger Elliot and John Thompson.

Topics will include the following:

• a botanical overview of the callistemon and melaleuca genera

• the chemical properties of tea tree oil and other melaleuca oils

• garden design using callistemons and melaleucas

• propagation and cultivation of callistemons and melaleucas

• creating habitat with callistemons and melaleucas

• the cultural history of callistemons and melaleucas.

Not only will you walk away with a greater scientific understanding of these genera, but you will also learn new ways of using these beautiful plants in your own home garden.

—Amy Akers

Come and enjoy one of our popular workshops! Ferns and cycads are similar in that they both appeared on the fossil record very early on and do not produce flowers. However, they have many differences. Cycads are known for their stiff leaves, whilst ferns are known for their soft leaves. Cycads produce seeds, whilst ferns do not. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. To find out more, you need to come along.

Our speakers will include Professor David Cantrill, Chief Botanist at the RBG Melbourne, Daniel Joubert of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Daniel Ohlsen of the University of Melbourne, Barry Stagoll, former President of the Victorian Fern Society and his wife Gay, a fern grower and cultivator, Warren Worboys and John Arnott from RBG Cranbourne and our very own Rodger Elliot and John Thompson.

Topics will include the following:

• ferns and cycads in the fossil record• cycads from Australia

and other parts of the world

• biodiversity and geography of Victorian ferns

• cycads in the Australian Garden• the cultural history of ferns and cycads,

including ‘pteridomania’.

The workshop will also include a guided tour of the cycads and ferns found in the Australian Garden, as well as a chance to propagate your very own ferns and cycads.

Even if you have only a passing interest, you will not regret coming to this interesting workshop. You will never look at these ancient plants the same way again!

—Chloe Foster & Amy Akers

Plant workshop

Frondly ferns and captivating cycads

Sunday 2 August 10.00 am–4.00pm



Macrozamia communis, a cycad growing near the Visitor Centre in the Australian Garden. Photos: Amy Akers

Delicate tracery of Dicksonia antarctica (soft tree fern) frond in the Tarra-Bulga National Park

A pink–flowered variant of Melaleuca huegelii, which usually has cream flowerheads.

Photo: Ivan Holliday

Callistemon subulatus (‘Brogo Overflow’) in the Arbour

Garden, Australian Garden. Photo: Amy Akers

Marvellous living sculpture of gnarled Melaleuca nesophila trunks


R E G U L A R M O N T H LY A C T I V I T I E SThe Friends RBG Cranbourne run several regular monthly activities, which are described below. If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, even on an irregular basis, please ring or email the contact person, or just turn up. Don’t worry if you don’t have specific skills, you will learn on the job, and you will be made most welcome!

Botanical Illustrators1st and 3rd Wednesday 10am–3pm

Elliot Centre

Contact Margaret Holloway 0438 985 382 [email protected]

We are a small, friendly group of artists of varying experience, who meet to paint and draw together (without tuition). This allows us to share ideas, information and give each other encouragement and support. We hold exhibitions at various galleries.

Wednesday group

The group is working consistently with several new members attending in recent months. We are still working on our paintings for exhibitions later this year and completing works started in the recent workshops. We have another exciting workshop coming up. Anyone interested in joining our group is welcome to visit us to see if it would be suitable for them.

Recent insect workshop with Mali Moir

This enjoyable and productive workshop was our first in the newly opened Elliot Centre. Participants worked from preserved specimens and images using graphite, pen and ink, coloured pencil and/or watercolour. Mali covered many topics, including composition, drawing, colour choice and mixing and painting techniques. A variety of styles and techniques emerged with some great results produced, although some of us still had more work to do at the end of the workshop. Painting insects is very time consuming because of the precision and detail required.

Macrozamia communis (Burrawang), with a well-developed female fruiting cone.

Photo: James McKee

Insect workshop in progress with Mali Moir. Photo: Jenny Rollason

Watercolour painting of Corymbia ficifolia by Marta Salamon. Image courtesy of Marta Salamon

Friends In Focus

2nd Saturday 2.00pm during Eastern Standard Time 9.30am during Daylight Saving Time

Elliot Centre

Contact James McKee 9707 2624 0411 102 107 [email protected]

We get together to have fun and learn about photography, take photos and enhance and practise our skills in a friendly, social and non-judgmental environment. We range from ‘snappers’ to serious photographers. Our starting times vary with daylight saving to give the best lighting conditions for taking photographs. Come and join us and then offer your photographs of RBG Cranbourne for inclusion on the Friends Facebook and Twitter sites.

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We appreciated Mali’s generous guidance and instruction, and each student benefited from her breadth of skill and experience.

Recent eucalyptus workshop with Marta Salamon

This two-day workshop concentrated on portraying specific qualities of eucalypts with particular attention to leaves and growth habit. Working from fresh specimens generously collected from the Australian Garden by Warren Worboys, participants gained much from Marta’s tuition and her wealth of experience in botanical art.


Growing Friends

3rd Wednesday Every Thursday

Growing Friends Nursery

ContactsMarjanne Rook 9769 7881 marjannerook@ iinet.net.au

Don Dower 9736 2309 0401 611 173 [email protected]

We propagate a great variety of Australian native plants that have been sourced from the Gardens, and have great fun doing it. The plants are used for educational purposes as giveaways, and for raising funds for selected projects for the Gardens.

Plant sale

We held a marvellous plant sale on the last weekend of March in lovely weather: we sold many plants and made $12,500. Apart from the GF volunteers and some Friends committee members, we also had assistance from some very knowledgeable members who provided valuable plant and garden advice to our customers. Thank you to all the volunteers and the members who bought our plants.

New Growing Friends

Our new nursery working space is working so well that it has enabled us to increase our numbers steadily without feeling crowded. The number of plants has increased too, now that the nursery is bigger, but unfortunately this means there are also more plants that need weeding! Should any member wish to join the Growing Friends or just come to assist with some weeding once in a while, you would be most welcome.

Visits

Word of our new nursery is getting around and we have been visited by a number of groups: some members of Australian Plant Society—from the Wilson Park branch and the Birregurra Garden group—came to look at the nursery and its facilities and, of course, they couldn’t resist buying some plants.

We were also visited by the Bayside Community Plant Nursery as they are having a nursery upgrade and wanted to see

the Friends’ and the Gardens’ facilities. They were especially interested in the shed; I can certainly recommend ours.

A thank-you gift

The Growing Friends via the Friends Committee presented the Gardens Propagation Staff Broni Swartz, Cali Salzmann and Di Clark with a complete set of the Encyclopaedia of Australian plants suitable for cultivation, by W Rodger Elliot and David L Jones with line drawings by Trevor Blake, at a special morning tea on 16 April at the Elliot Centre. The set is a thank-you gift for so generously sharing all of their facilities with the Growing Friends for 18 months while our new nursery was being built. For their convenience this set will be kept in their work area rather than in the main building.

For those of you not in the know, W Rodger Elliot is the very same Rodger, who among many other contributions to the Friends, organises and leads numerous activities, while Trevor is an active Garden Ambassador who can tell you anything you want to know about Darwinias, and about Thomasias and their relatives as well as many other plants. Both Rodger and Trevor assist the Growing Friends at plant sales with their extensive plant and garden knowledge. And, what is more, both are very friendly blokes!

Special orders

Any wishes? Perhaps you would like a plant you have seen in the Gardens, or multiple plants for a large area. If so, please contact the Growing Friends by email or phone with your request and we shall endeavour to grow them or we may even have them in stock.

We work with fabric crafts (hand sewing, machine sewing and embroidery) using materials or designs featuring and highlighting the beauty of Australian native plants. We also host exhibitions and provide items for prizes and gifts for Friends activities. Our friendly group is always keen to welcome new members. There are activities for all, whether you do machine sewing or hand stitching. Tea & coffee are provided, you just need to bring along a sandwich (or something!) for lunch.

Members of the Botanical Fabricators group are now busy sewing once more, following the success of the Australian Textile Exhibition in February/March.

About 2500 visitors attended the exhibition and their comments were very positive.

The response to our raffle was also very positive, with everyone eager to win the first prize of a Wattle and Gum quilt generously donated by Leesa Chandler, and also the second prize of an attractive bag featuring an

Under the Australian Sun fabric with a red waratah, made by Carlene Gosbell.

The lucky winner of the quilt was Val Cahill, who held ticket 2451. The bag was won by Julie Clearwater with ticket 1800 and the third prize, a box of items made by members of the Botanical Fabricators group, went to Jan Pleavin, who had ticket 902. The raffle proceeds of $4528 will considerably assist in the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne.

Sales of items made by the Botanical Fabricators came to over $2700, making it a very successful Exhibition from every point of view.

Sincere thanks to Leesa Chandler of Chandlers Cottage for her huge input into this event. Leesa is already planning for another similar display in 2016 as well as another release of new fabrics depicting our spectacular Australian native plants.

Botanical Fabricators

2nd Tuesday 10amElliot Centre

Contact Gwen Elliot 8774 2483


Seed CollectorsWe meet on an ad hoc basis

ContactRichenda Harrison 9885 2744 0438 852 744 richendaharrison@ gmail.com

We gather and process seed for the RBG Cranbourne seed stock. The seed collected is used by the Growing Friends Nursery and by the Gardens for regeneration of the bushland.

Our meetings are irregular, as the peak time for the group is November to March. Most of the 2–3 hour sessions are on Thursdays, and involve a range of activities: reconnaissance, collection and processing, and documentation.

In the beginning

I’m occasionally asked ‘Why did I start in horticulture?’ It began when I was growing up in the South Gippsland town of Foster, where my father had a veggie patch and fruit trees and our backyard was acres of bushland. Our customary family day trips were to Tarra-Bulga National Park, the Prom, and the many beaches between the Prom and Inverloch—basically an upbringing surrounded by nature.

Like many young teenagers, I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, but my mother asked me to assist her over one Christmas school holiday in her small retail nursery. I started to learn about plants, not just the bush, and enjoyed it. So I left school and worked in the nursery full time, but I soon realised that there was more to the plant world than potted azaleas and bare-rooted fruit trees.

I started looking for options to further my horticultural training, when my aunt saw an

advertisement in the newspaper—the RBG Melbourne was seeking applications for apprentices in gardening.

Melbourne

I applied, and my interview involved meeting Jim Willis just before he retired from the Gardens, then wandering through the nursery at the Gardens, chatting with the Head Propagator (Ken Allen) and the Gardens Superintendent, Allan Gardiner.On 29 November 1971, I started work in the Melbourne Gardens nursery as their fifth junior apprentice.

There was chatter about a parcel of land at Cranbourne, newly purchased on behalf of the Gardens to establish a Botanic Garden and Research Institute dedicated to Australian native plants. The first full-time gardener was Bill Buckingham, a hardworking man who was employed as a vegetable grower before commencing with the Gardens. His first duties were collecting rubbish and finding the dumped car bodies

Staff profile

Warren Worboys

Curator of Horticulture

Herbarium Collectors

1st Monday 9am–2pmMaud Gibson Room

ContactNola Foster 9583 5731

We find, photograph and collect specimens of the indigenous plants in the RBG Cranbourne at each stage of their development and ensure that relevant details—locations, appearance, the substrate they are found on, and habitat—are recorded. These specimens are then dried and mounted for herbarium collections at the RBG Cranbourne, and the National Herbarium at the RBG Melbourne.

Botanical Basketmakers

3rd Saturday10am–2pmElliot Centre

Contact Lynn Lochrie 0437 759 610 [email protected]

We use native plants to create items ranging from the useful to the sculptural. Would you like to join us and/or do you have good quantities of native grasses or vines to donate? Members’ skill levels range from novice to experienced.

We had a wonderful response to the reinstatement of our group and have welcomed several newcomers.

Some of us have made ‘a small basket over a mold’, ‘tension tray coasters’ and ‘string’. We have had discussions about useful plants and techniques. We have collected some cumbungi on private property, and walked though RBGC identifying plants we can use in basketry.

Over the coming year we hope to have

demonstrations, garden visits, material-collecting forays (on private property) and workshops.

A tension tray coaster under construction using Xanthorrhoea leaves

A completed tension tray coaster

Photos:Tim Morrow


scattered throughout the bushland, fixing barbed wire fences to keep the cows out, and arranging working bees to assist with major clean-ups.

I continued in the Gardens nursery for two years, and was the first apprentice to be allowed to work with gardeners in the Gardens. The skill standard of the staff was quite varied and there was concern that there may be bad influences on the ‘youngsters’. As part of a plan to improve the relationship between the Gardens and the City of Melbourne, I was the first apprentice to go on a 3-month work experience exchange with the CoM parks department, under the auspices of Kevin Heinz. At the end of my apprenticeship schooling I was awarded Gardening Apprentice of the Year.

Overseas

Because of the great mentors I was working with, I realised that I still had a lot more to learn and commenced looking for post-apprenticeship education opportunities, including overseas. I went to Scotland and completed a Diploma of Amenity and Ornamental Horticulture at the RBG Edinburgh. This was a fantastic opportunity to work and train with like-minded plant enthusiasts and a chance to investigate plant cultivation in the UK and Europe, with the added advantage of returning to Australia via the USA, looking at the diversity of parks and gardens the length and breadth of the States.

Back to Melbourne

Back in Australia I returned to the Melbourne nursery as second in charge, then was appointed Head Propagator. It was during this time that I planted the seeds that resulted in the Nuytsia floribunda on Howson Hill. I pulled out some of the benches in the tropical glasshouse to allow plants to grow to a larger size, built new shade-houses to replace decrepit timber structures and opened up the nursery to improve efficiency and allow drive-through access. I was also the first to successfully vegetatively propagate the rare Easter Island tree Sophora toromiro (extinct in its natural habitat) to introduce it to the horticultural industry as an attractive garden plant. Had we only known, it could have been the Wollemi Pine of the RBG Melbourne, but contributing to its eventual re-introduction to the wild has been reward enough.

During this time we propagated many different native plants from across Australia, and I started making regular visits to the Cranbourne Gardens, arranging experimental planting to see how they would survive in the remnants of the sand extraction site and starting to stabilise the drifting sands—blinding mini sand storms were a regular occurrence in those early days.

To rationalise resources, RBG Melbourne was asked by the state government to manage

the grounds of Government House, and I was asked to manage the team, upgrading operations and creating a more cohesive work environment.

Cranbourne

In 1988 the state government provided funding to develop a new garden at Cranbourne and I was fortunate to be appointed to undertake the plant selection and planning for this challenging new project. Some construction and planting was completed, but government funding issues arose and the project came to a halt, so it was only the Stringybark Picnic Area that could be opened to the public in 1989.

I continued working at Cranbourne, initiating and overseeing the implementation of many smaller projects. These included installing chain-wire fences around the perimeter, building a number of boardwalks throughout the bushland, building the first fences around the Australian Garden and Special Collections, investigating the indigenous flora (adding another 108 species to the 179 identified earlier by Jim Willis) and building relationships with adjoining landholders, and assisting in the purchase of the valuable land on our southern boundary, which will provide a buffer to the forthcoming residential development.

Over 20 years ago I was given one of the most rewarding tasks I have undertaken at Cranbourne; this involved working closely with the Maud Gibson Trust, in particular with the Hon. Peter Howson and Mrs Judy Baillieu, organising the first public meeting to establish the Friends of the RBGC. Since then I have been active on the committee, organising the annual dinners in the earlier days, working with volunteers on working bees, assisting with numerous other activities, and I still value and enjoy the fantastic relationship that the Friends have with the Gardens staff.

When funding finally came through for the development of the Australian Garden as we know it today, again I was privileged to be an active member of the project team, working on everything from design development right through to construction. I am pleased to have had the opportunity of starting at Cranbourne with the intention of building a valuable garden, but ending up being involved in the development of a world-class, unique landscape.

Through all this I still try to escape to the bush whenever I can, and have been very fortunate to be supported by my wife, Diane, and daughter, Kirsty, and have been able to dabble in our joint interest of breeding and showing horses.


Recent discovery day

Mornington Peninsula

Recent afternoon talk

’Victorian Orchid Conservation Program’, with Dr Noushka Reiter

Thirty-one Friends of the RBG Canbourne turned up, one carload at a time, at the appointed spot in Arthurs Seat, some of us with walking sticks, and all of us with folding chairs and lunches in baskets or backpacks in preparation for a day exploring nurseries, a park and a farm in the area.

We had three speakers. The first was Glen Yearsley, whose parents had established

Austplant Nursery and Gardens on Purves Road in 1977 after clearing eight acres of mature pine trees to make way for a beautiful native garden overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Glen explained that he uses a soil media in his potting mix for his sale plants so they hold moisture for longer

periods around their newly developing root systems when they are planted out. Glen also talked about mulching and ‘tipping’ the native plants so they would grow thickly and not become leggy. His plants certainly looked happy and enticing, so much so that I bought a Ceratopetalum gummiferum, cleverly on display underneath its parent tree in full flower. I saw many other plants being carried to cars just before we took off down the road to Seawinds Gardens in Arthurs Seat State Park!

At Seawinds, after lunch and time for wandering the trails in the beautiful park, volunteer Trish Allen took us through the

Indigenous Nursery and Garden. The garden makes its way along a beautiful gravel-and-flag-stone path on steeply sloping ground. Trish had something wonderful to say about almost every plant, why it was doing well, what care it needed, and how it blended with the plants around it. She explained that a tight group of volunteers coordinate their efforts to plant everything we were looking at and also attend the nursery of growing plants. She couldn’t say enough about the satisfaction of volunteering at Seawinds. She was a delightful speaker and her enthusiasm was infectious.

Lastly, we drove off to Green Olive at Red Hill Farm to finish the day with beautiful coffee (or tea) and scrumptious cakes, all made on the premises. We sat out in a little garden while owner Sue O’Donoghue—who with her husband, Greg, and children, Sam and Sophie, works the farm, shop, cafe and olive orchard—spoke to us about their philosophy of sustainability. It was encouraging to hear what fine work they are doing.

Thank you, Margaret and Richard, for an informative and satisfying day. Thank you, Friends, for your lovely company.

—Carolyn Landon

Noushka provided us with such a marvellous afternoon! Her illustrated talk in the Australian Garden Auditorium was enthusiastic and insightful. After a scrumptious afternoon tea in the Friends Elliot Centre the tour of the very impressive Tissue Culture Laboratory was very much appreciated.

We had a fantastic response to her presentation from FRBGC members and other visitors.

There were 38 people present and it was a great mix of people. One woman travelled from Geelong and then volunteered to help Noushka with her project along with another two women. We had a number of Field Nats, including Eve Almond, who 20 years ago

left RBG to go to the Museum from where she has just retired; she is also a member of Australasian Native Orchid Society. Also present were three members of the Knox Environmental Society. This very heartening turnout showed that our recent publicity strategy seems to be working.

One of the Friends (who shall remain nameless but I think that her name is Amy!) had already starting doing some initial planning on a fungus and plant relationships workshop as soon as she got home.

We received donations of $83 and the Raffle raised $45.

Corten steel flower at Austplant Nursery

Grass blue butterfly on a goodenia flower at Seawinds. Photos: Ivan Margitta


Recent Eucalyptus and close allies workshop

Mosaic beauty in the Growing Friends Nursery

Workshop presenters struggled to identify only one favorite eucalypt—or five, or ten! Each species has its own unique beauty and wondrous qualities. The shared enthusiasm for eucalypts was almost palpable amongst speakers and participants alike. No wonder there was a full house!

On arrival we were given a warm welcome, refreshments, some of Alex Smart’s superb photos on cards, and a gum leaf. With the latter, we acknowledged that we were on the traditional land of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri people who, for so many generations, had intimate knowledge of the gifts bestowed by our iconic gum trees.

Frank Udovicic was unable to be with us, but Dean Nicolle (who established Currency Creek Arboretum in South Australia) stepped into the breach effortlessly, sharing his passion with information (and photos) on eucalypt biogeography, ecology, characteristics and diversity. He kept us enthralled. There is a eucalypt for every situation, including small gardens.

I particularly appreciated the overview Dean gave, with maps, of the eucalyptus genus and its more closely related allies, corymbia and angophora. He touched on sub-genera and, below them, sections. Common names can be confusing, so it is worthwhile to use the proper species name. More details of eucalypt classification, the Currency Creek Arboretum, and Dean’s publications can be found on his website (http://www.dn.com.au/dean-nicolle.html).

John Thompson reminded us that eucalypts are integrated into our lives in many ways. He gave fascinating examples including timber, fuel, honey, medicine, dyes, and some marvellous art.

Bruce Schroder told a more sobering story. Whilst acknowledging the importance of eucalypts in urban landscapes, Bruce identified challenges in engineered environments. Further work is required to provide uniform, predictable plant stock for street trees. Urban populations also need to appreciate the intrinsic beauty, function and variation within nature.

Thus we are fortunate to have the Australian Garden and inspired horticulturalists, such as Russell Larke, to expound on the many small eucalypt species there. What a delightful way to finish the day!

Workshop participants could take home three seedlings, rare and beautiful, to research and plant. Especially small for gardens, these eucalypts can also be managed by pruning or coppicing.

—Kate Walsh

The Growing Friends have several multi-talented volunteers, including Ruben Buttigieg. Ruben has worked tirelessly over many months to produce a stunning ceramic mural, especially for the new Growing Friends Nursery building.

The mural was installed in January, and you can now see and admire it as you enter the Nursery site.

The artwork was designed to provide a ceramic backboard to the hand basin, and while it provides much pleasure to everyone washing their hands, it is certainly worthy of major gallery display.

Ruben has taken the trouble to include so many aspects of RBG Cranbourne and our activities there. A close look will reveal many of our native plants, including eucalypts, wattles, Sturt’s desert pea, the waratah and the bottle tree. You will also see aspects of the bushland area and architectural features of the Australian Garden.

A photo is included here to whet your appetite, but next time you visit the Growing Friends Nursery do have a good look for yourself at this superb work of art.

Thank you, Ruben, from us all.

—The Growing Friends

The rare Eucalyptus sinuosa (octopus mallee) occurs in the Fitzgerald National Park, south west of WA. Photo: Dean Nicolle

Ruben Buttigieg next to his splendid mosaic at the Growing Friends Nursery


Membership update

Helen Morrow

Our financial year ends on 30 June, which means it is time to renew your membership of the Friends. The subscription for 2015/16 is due on 1 July.

You will find a separate renewal form in this Newsletter; please fill in your name. If it is a household membership please include all

members. A new membership card will be sent to each member when the subscription is received.

If you use EFT please include your name and ‘sub’ on the transaction so that Karen, our very hard-working Treasurer, will know who has deposited the money.

Coastal Guide Books 36 Heather Grove, Brier Hill 3088 Copyright text © Graham Patterson 2014 ISBN 9780992321727 (paperback) 168 pages Recommended Retail Price: $30 Available directly from the author On the shelf, Gardens Shop RBGC

Readers who were interested in Coastal guide to nature and history: Port Phillip Bay, by Graham Patterson 2013 (reviewed in Naturelink, spring 2014) will welcome his second book. Many Naturelink readers will particularly appreciate the coverage of Western Port Bay, which has such close links with the RBG Cranbourne. There are several references to the Boon Wurrung tribe (p. 4), and the outline of the geology of the area is closely related to the geology of the Gardens site, and mentions ‘Cranbourne sand’ (p. 51). Reading this review may feel like déjà vu as his two books use the same format and style, and some content appears in both books. This review also repeats relevant comments from the review of the first Coastal guide.

Patterson is a lover of the outdoors, nature and history and is a keen observer and experienced hiker. He has walked around most of the coastline of Victoria.

There is interesting coverage of the Great Swamp (now the Koo Wee Rup Swamp) and the drainage project. The area is certainly not portrayed as ideal bushwalking terrain: Patterson used a kayak to get around the

swampy areas and he gives a graphic and entertaining description of the occasion when he miscalculated the tide and his kayak ran aground (p. 55).

There are many places in the area covered by this book that are easily visited by car. Pleasant walks of varying lengths can be taken from many of these places. Using the book to plan your trip, and taking it with you for reference, will add lots of interest to your outing. It’s a handy size (15x23cm). Patterson’s guide answers all the questions that come to mind as people enjoy the coast, and add to their understanding and appreciation.

The table of contents indicates sections covering introductory explanation of objectives, walking advice, history. Details of the features encountered along the coast are presented in four sections: Point Nepean to Flinders, Western Port, Phillip Island, and French Island. The later part of the book covers coastal animals and plants, coastal landforms and coastal management, followed by acknowledgements, a short biographical note about the author, references and further reading list, and a comprehensive index.

Descriptive text is generously supported by photographs, mostly taken by the author, and maps, including sections of Melway maps. This thoroughly researched book is highly recommended.

—Robin Allison

Botanical Illustrators workshop

Eucalyptus flower workshop with Marta Salamon

Monday 13 and 27 July 10.00am–3.00pm

Elliot Centre Auditorium, RBGC


Marta is well known for her teaching and her illustrations. She has a particular interest in eucalypts and has spent time in Western Australia to paint their indigenous eucalypts. Recently at the Art of Botanical Illustration Exhibition held at Domain House, Marta’s painting of Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) was acquired for the State Botanical Collection. Marta’s work can be viewed on line by googling her name and ‘botanical art’.

This two-day intensive workshop on the flowers of eucalypts is a follow up to the one held earlier on this year. This time, however, there will be a two-week gap between sessions to allow time for the artists to work on their painting at home, and to be able to complete a small study by the end of the workshop. Attention will be given to the structure and formation

of the flowers and techniques suitable for portraying the fine detail of the filaments and such. Again students will be working from live specimens. Although it would be advantageous to have completed the earlier eucalypt workshop, it is not necessary. Watercolour, graphite, coloured pencils and ink are all suitable mediums to use.

To book or for further information about the workshop contact Margaret Holloway on 0438 985 382 or at<[email protected]>.

Book review

Coastal guide to nature and history 2: Mornington Peninsula’s ocean shore, Western Port, Phillip Island & French Island

Graham Patterson


• our quarterly newsletter Naturelink

• QuickLink eNews • discount rates for both Melbourne and Cranbourne Friends activities • access to Friends-only activities• 15% discount on plant sales at RBG Cranbourne • access to Friends-only plant sales

• 10% discount at the Boon Wurrung Café• 10% discount at the Gardens Shop (Melbourne and Cranbourne).

You can get an application form from the website <http:// www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support/support-groups/friends-of-rbg/cranbourne>, the Visitor Centre at RBG Cranbourne, or Helen Morrow, Membership Secretary on 9850 9125, or at <[email protected]>.

B E N E F I T S O F M E M B E R S H I P JOIN THE FRIENDS AND RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

President: Richard Clarke 5974 1750Secretary: Helen Kennedy 9560 0185Vice President: Indra Kurzeme 5904 6275Vice President: Helen Morrow 9850 9125Immediate Past President: Margaret Clarke 5974 1750 Treasurer: Karen Russell 9878 4857Membership Secretary: Helen Morrow 9850 9125RBGC Representative: Chris Russell 5990 2200General Committee

Amy Akers 0423 513 281Rodger Elliot 8774 2483Chloe Foster 9725 3569Nola Foster 9583 5731Christine Kenyon 9589 2154

James McKee 9707 2624 Bev Roberts 9391 3393Marjanne Rook 9769 7881Ros Shepherd 5932 5611Alex Smart 9707 5275

Naturelink EditorsSusan Funder [email protected]

0409 864 237Gill Gartlan [email protected]

5281 7569

Contact details for activity group coordinators are listed under Regular Monthly Activities.

The committee meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6pm.

The Friends of RBG Cranbourne Committee

To help us to keep our records up to date please fill in your email address and postal address if they have changed.

New members who joined after 1 April 2015 are financial to June 2016.

The Friends have gained 39 new members this quarter. We look forward to meeting many of them throughout the year. All members are welcome to join the special interest groups listed in Naturelink, and a variety of activities are planned for each month, so come along. Please contact me is you would like more information at <[email protected]>.

Welcome to new members:

Karen Alexander, Pam Allen, Eve Almond, Carole Armstrong, Joanne Cameron, Bianca Carnovale, Kamwah Chan & Michele Goh, David Crockett, Erin Cosgriff, Greg Davis, Louise Dumbrell, Amelia Eaton, Pamela Everson & Peter Carson, Peter Farrell & Petra Cox, Len Goffin, Ainlsey Gowing, Michael & Louise Grant, Nicole Griffiths, Matthew Henderson, Andy Holmes, Margaret McCulley, Judy Millington, Peter Moon, Nicola Muston, Trevor Nicholas, Carole Page, Jean & Malcolm Pengilly, Janice Reynolds, Donna Smith, Clare Tindall, Therese Tischler, Jeanette & Johannes Wenzel, Penny Woodward.

Governor opens Friends Centre & Growing Friends Nursery

On 1 February, the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency Alex Chernov AC QC and his wife, Elizabeth Chernov, opened the Elliot Centre and Growing Friends Nursery for the RBG at Cranbourne. They were greeted by RBGC Director Chris Russell, FRBGC President Richard Clarke and Immediate Past President Margaret Clarke.

Special guests included Ken Harrison (Chairman RBG Victoria Board) and Jill Harrison, Professor Tim Entwisle (CEO and Director of RBG Victoria) and Lynda Entwisle, Chris Russell (Director RBGC) and

Jacqui Winstanley, Mayor and Councillors of City of Casey, Gwen Elliot AM and Rodger Elliot AM, several Directors of the RBG Victoria Board, Members of the Maud Gibson Trust, FRBGC Foundation Members, several Past Presidents and Committee members. About 200 members and staff enjoyed a memorable event and we can all now celebrate that finally the Friends groups have such wonderful facilities dedicated to their use.

We started proceedings in the Auditorium, where the Governor and Mrs Chernov


Rodger and Gwen Elliot Governor Chernov and Mrs Chernov

The Auditorium at the Australian Garden was overflowing.

Margaret Clarke, Richard Clarke and Chris Russell welcoming Governor Chernov and Mrs Chernov.

Governor Chernov and Mrs Chernov cutting ribbon at the Elliot Centre

Highlights of the recent openings!

unveiled the plaques for the Elliot Centre and Growing Friends Nursery. Warren

Worboys presented Mrs Chernov with a floral arrangement he created using flowers from the Australia Garden. The Governor was enthusiastic about the initial impact of the Red Sand Garden when arriving at the Australian Garden. He told us about the pleasure they gain from the garden at Government House and that Mrs Chernov has been developing the garden with Australian plants. He acknowledged the value of

volunteer work done by the Friends and that it is a major contribution to the Gardens. In thanking the Governor, Ken Harrison commended the contribution of the 700

Friends members who come together to promote this common interest.

Following the official opening, we had morning tea, which presented an opportunity for many visitors to meet the delightful Governor and Mrs Chernov. The official party then toured through the Australian Garden on the Garden Explorer to the Elliot Centre and Growing Friends Nursery to cut the ribbons and declare the facilities open to the Friends.

The dedication of the Elliot Centre, comprising a meeting room, library, office, storerooms and herbarium (still under development), recognises the enormous contribution Gwen and Rodger Elliot have made to the RBG at Melbourne and Cranbourne. They have a long list of accomplishments and have received a number of Australian and overseas awards: in 2001 they were awarded Order of Australia medals (AM) for their contribution to the horticulture of Australian plants; in 2014 they were awarded the Gold Laurel Award from the Australian Horticulture Media Association for their work in horticulture. Between them they have written more than forty books, many articles, and contributed to radio talkback shows, run nurseries, and guided field trips.

There was time to inspect displays from each of the Friends Groups, and all members of the official party were very interested in the quality and scope of the work being carried out. The Friends Library was open and Librarian Ann Miller showed the Governor and Mrs Chernov through the collection.

A tour of the Growing Friends Nursery was introduced by Marjanne Rook and Ruben Buttigieg. Visitors were shown displays of propagated Australian plants. The three plant sales each year are major fundraising activities.

John Armstrong and Kay Craig were present, with two of their works that are part of the Cranbourne Collection. Currently there are 39 botanical paintings and drawings of plants found at RBGC in the Cranbourne Collection. All have been donated by the artists.

The RBGC Friends have grown in number and strength largely thanks to their enthusiasm for the award-winning Gardens, now recognised as world-class. Apart from the regular activity groups mentioned above, the Friends Activities Sub-committee organises an annual program of lectures, discovery days and tours for the Friends. With money raised by all the Friends groups and activities, FRBGC had accumulated sufficient funds to meet the total cost of more than $200,000 for these facilities, without imposing on RBGC.

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