FROM THE CHAIRMAN
I
n the second digital edition of our magazine, in this strange new environment, we all find ourselves navigating new ways of being. Here we are at the beginning of spring, typically the season of new beginnings and joy. I encourage you all to participate in the joy of the season, and the joy of your gardens at home, and remember that Foundation & Friends must and will work together as a community, along with the wider community, to maintain what is important to us. We are fortunate that we all share a passion for our Botanic Gardens. 4
THE GARDENS SPRING 2020
This gives us reasons to continue to be engaged, active and supportive of these wonderful spaces, because no matter what’s going on around us, the Gardens and the work of our horticultural and science teams is vitally important.
EVENTS Our PL NTS exhibition was scheduled for March but moved online during the initial COVID lockdown period. It then opened in Lion Gate Lodge for nine days in July, and was a huge success considering we were at the beginning of what we all feared was the second
wave of COVID in Sydney. Volunteers eagerly arrived to assist with setting up the exhibition, then happily appeared every day to cover their rostered shifts. Social distancing measures meant that on some days we had queues forming to visit – what a great outcome. Growing Friends Plants Sales has opened in Sydney, with our volunteers pushing for the reopening and happy to be back caring for and propagating plants, connecting with the community and sharing their knowledge. Thank you to all our volunteers and to all the customers who are supporting us via
