6 minute read
Botanic news: from home and abroad
from THE BOTANIC GARDENer SUMMER 2020/21 – Botanic gardens – stories of recovery and regeneration
by BGANZ
Save the dates
6th Botanic Gardens Day (last Sunday in May) 30 May 2021
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In 2020, Botanic Gardens Day met the coronavirus challenge head-on as we realised many gardens would be closed to visitors due to COVID-19. The month of May leading into the Botanic Gardens Day online forum saw the inaugural #PlantChallenge take place. Sam Moon, Tim Uebergang, Emma Bodley and John Lloyd Fillingham created a wonderful series of botanic garden videos to promote the botanic challenge. Over 50 botanic gardens members from across Australia and New Zealand took part in the inaugural Plant Challenge, a video challenge to tell a story around their favourite plant. We’re planning to do even better in 2021. We’ll have all the information and a campaign you can contribute to by the end of January 2021.
10th BGANZ Congress and 7GBGC (Global Botanic Gardens Congress): 26–30 September 2022, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
BGANZ congresses are increasingly popular events, and the 10th BGANZ Congress is a joint BGANZ/BGCI Congress to be held in Melbourne, Victoria. Put a note in your diary and get planning, Monday 26 to Friday 30 September 2022, with the final day currently a ‘technical tours’ day.
BGANZ council encourages all members to look out for these awards, and many other non-BGANZ annual awards each year. If you are looking for professional development opportunities, there is a list of awards and secondment opportunities on the BGANZ website. We aim to keep it updated as new professional development opportunities become available.
2020 award winners
BGANZ received no applications for any of its awards in 2020. This may have been due to COVID-19. Council will offer the same awards in 2021 and will review the program after applications close.
BGANZ awards — objectives
The objective of the BGANZ awards is to acknowledge the efforts, and contribute to the ongoing training and development, of BGANZ members through research or work experience with like organisations, which will bring a benefit to the applicants, BGANZ members and the wider industry.
2021 BGANZ award applications
BGANZ council is delighted to announce the BGANZ Awards for 2021. Applications will be called for in early 2021. Sign up for the BGANZ newsletter or check the website for the latest information.
BGANZ Professional Development Award 2021 (closing date 31 July 2021) value AUD$2,000
BGANZ Young Member Award 2021 (closing date 31 July 2021) value AUD$500 BGANZ/American Public Gardens Association Award 2021 (closing date 28 February 2021) value USD$800
BGANZ member benefits
1. BGANZ partner with Seasol
BGANZ has recently signed a 3-year partnership with Seasol Ltd. BGANZ institution and associate members can take advantage of a fantastic offer to purchase Seasol products at significantly reduced prices. Conditions apply. For the confidential price list please email: secretariat@bganz.org.au
2. BGANZ partner with Plant Health Australia
BGANZ is delighted to announce it has recently partnered with Plant Health Australia (PHA) for two years. BGANZ members will have great opportunities to attend PHA biosecurity briefings and workshops through webinars held online.
You can find dates for PHA Biosecurity Workshops, and additional workshops and PHA information in the BGANZ weekly newsletters.
3. BGANZ partner with Augusta Golf Cars
BGANZ members have a great opportunity to discuss all their transport requirements with Augusta Golf Cars. BGANZ encourages all members to contact Augusta Golf Cars to discuss future purchasing opportunities. More information about Augusta is available on the BGANZ website and in this edition of THE BOTANIC GARDENer.
4. BGANZ partner with PlantSnap (app)
BGANZ has partnered with PlantSnap, the plant photo ID app, and the app will be available for all gardens to use.
Gardens will be able to add information about their plants to the app, and also gain demographic and visitor information captured when people use the app at their garden.
The Australian National Botanic Garden will launch the app this month. Be sure to read the Feature Interview with Eric Ralls, CEO, PlantSnap, in this edition.
BGANZ will receive income every time the PlantSnap app is downloaded in Australia and New Zealand, and also every time the free version is downloaded or used.
BGANZ members can join at any time. If you or your garden would like a presentation of the app, via the BGANZ Digital Workshop, to assess its value for your garden, please send an email to Sam Moon media@bganz.org.au and Sam will organise a time.
5. Get a great new car deal!
For the exclusive benefit of BGANZ members, BGANZ has entered into a partnership with Autotender. BGANZ members can now get great prices when purchasing their new car through Autotender.
For more information on how members can get better car prices check out the information page here.
BGANZ member news
An opportunity exists to join the BGANZ Communications Group as BGANZ Web Content Manager. Brad Crème has recently stepped down from the position after leading the BGANZ website team. This is a volunteer position. BGANZ website uses the Wordpress content management system, and full training and support will be given.
The position is not onerous — usually only an hour a week once you are familiar with the system.
The BGANZ Web Content Manager works closely with Eamonn, BGANZ CEO, and Sam Moon, Social Media Coordinator. Join your professional network and help your member organisation have the website members deserve.
Contact Eamonn@bganz.org.au for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.
BGANZ network staff changes
Mastermind behind stunning gardens retires
The mastermind behind the world-class Hamilton Gardens (New Zealand) Dr Peter Sergel is retiring at the end of this year. Dr Sergel has been a driving force at Hamilton Gardens since 1979 when he was asked to develop a concept plan for the park. He had just joined Hamilton City Council and this was one of the first jobs he was given. The seeds of success were sown for the award-winning gardens and Dr Sergel went on to develop the gardens’ unique concept of telling the story of gardens throughout civilisation. Dr Sergel was appointed Director of Hamilton Gardens in 1995, but he has been at the forefront of the gardens’ development and operations for the last four decades, meticulously designing more than 20 gardens at the site.
BGANZQ has a new chair
Michael Elgey, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, has stepped into the role of BGANZQ chair as Prue McGruther takes maternity leave. We thank Prue for her work to date and look forward to her return. Welcome Michael. You can contact Michael at Michael.Elgey@rrc.qld.gov.au.
BGANZ council: how do I get elected?
Several members have recently asked: ‘how do I get on to Council?’
Council membership is explained on the website here, but if you have further questions please contact Eamonn Flanagan secretariat@bganz.org.au
BGANZ returning and new members (financial year beginning July 2020)
The overwhelming majority of returning members paid by direct credit card, and prior to 30 June 2020. This is greatly appreciated and has contributed to increased efficiency and time to attend to other BGANZ matters.
We welcome all new and returning members. Thanks for your support and we look forward to your involvement in BGANZ.
Institutional members
Geelong Botanic Gardens (Vic) National Arboretum (ACT)
Wellington Botanic Gardens (NZ) Western Downs Regional Council (QLD) Individual members
Paul Robinson
Amelia Martyn Yenson Gretel Hamilton
Rachel Robertson
Annie McGeachey
