Growing Matters Winter 2013 Volume 15 Issue 2
Celebrate 10 years of growing‌. Newsletter of the Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Image—Kate Heffernan
Page
CONTENTS 3.1 President‘s Report
0 9 10 years on cont...
3.2 Curator's Column
10
04
10 years of memories—Alan
11 Education....Rana Baguley
Donaldson
12 Garden Guides Plus.....
A Vital Cog.....Neil Morley
0 5 Secretary‘s Desk
13 Photography Comp. Results
0 6 Australian Plants
14 Special General Meeting
0 7 Aus. Plants cont....
15 Products for Sale
0 8 10 years on....Kate Heffernan
16 Snippets misc. Preparation for first planting, Di, Don, Kate
President
2013 Committee
David Baguley
Newsletter/Editor Noreen Swan
Vice President
Nursery and planting
Webmaster
Lyn Reilly
Alan Donaldson
Caroline Kelly
Patron
Archivist
Australian Plants
Gene Rosser
Helena Kelso
Peter Reilly
Secretary
Education
Friends Centre
Mary Woods
Rana Baguley
Elinor Cox
Treasurer
Herbarium
General Members
Gareth Davis
Neil Morley
Di Wagner
Communications
Membership
Elaine Swan
Kate Heffernan
Peter Reilly
Poul Slatten Shelly Kelly
The ‗after planting‘ party
Photos in this edition are courtesy of all the Friends who have contributed—too many to mention individually....Thank you
10th Year Anniversary JULY 28 2013 This Edition includes photographs that depict the Botanic Gardens growth in recognition of all who have endeavoured to develop a truly magnificent Gold Coast Icon. Friends recognise the contribution of the Gold Coast City Council, Community Helpers and the Volunteers who assist in informing the Public and maintaining the Friends Centre.....ed Flooding on the first planted area
Important Friends dates for our Botanic Gardens for 2013: Sunday 9 June
Green Week events including (World Environment Day)
General Information
Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Postal Address: PO Box 5653 GCMC QLD 9726
Sunday 28 July Day
10th Anniversary of first Planting (National Tree Day)
Location: 232 Ashmore Road Benowa 4217
Sunday 29 Sept.
Spring Planting Day
Treasurer: treasurer@friendsgcrbg.org.au
Tuesday 8 Oct.
Queensland Arbor Day
Membership Officer: membership@friendsgcrbg.org.au
Sunday 1 December
Friends AGM
Secretary: secretary@friendsgcrbg.org.au Mobile: 0449 561 674
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President’s Report David Baguley
On 28 July we will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the first community planting in the Gardens. The wonderful images of the gardens captured by entrants in the recent Friends’ photography competition are testament to a decade of achievements and good reason to celebrate. Elsewhere in this publication, you will read about what has been achieved in developing these gardens into ‘a place to escape, learn and be inspired’ by the living collections of regional and international plants. I am continually amazed by the passion of individuals within our organisation for the ongoing development of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and its programs. I urge you to read their stories. Apart from the tireless work of these dedicated individuals, the following factors have contributed greatly to our success to date: the partnership between the Council’s Parks and Recreation Branch and the Friends, representing the community. Joint representation on the Project Control Group and Horticultural Reference Group has provided a formal framework for decision making and funding priorities, prior to the appointment of a Curator for the Gardens the gardens have been developed following a Master Concept Plan produced by Lawrie Smith, which has provided a guide to the progressive extension the enthusiastic support of a succession of elected representatives recognising the importance of Botanic Gardens to the fabric of an international city and providing ongoing funding to progress the development. The good news is that a new structure for the partnership has been agreed with the Project Control Group being replaced by an Advisory Group, chaired by Curator, Dr Liz Caddick and including the Gardens’ Senior Horticultural Officer, two Friends’ and up to two industry representatives. The Horticultural Reference Group will also continue to advise on the living collection. One of the early tasks of the Advisory group will be to develop a joint strategic plan for the gardens and facilitate an update of the master plan. The not so good news is that we need to do a lot of work to regain the support of the current Mayor and Councillors. Funding cuts that have curtailed any capital improvements for several years have not been welcomed but, even more worrying, is the merging of the Botanic Gardens levy into consolidated revenue. Ratepayers will be still paying the levy but the funds are no longer identified for Gardens funding and are likely to be directed to other Council priorities. If one looks at the history of the world’s famous botanic gardens, you will almost certainly find periods of adversity that had to be overcome. In the early 1970’s a vigorous public campaign stopped Cape Town City Council from building a highway through part of the famous Kirchenbosch Botanic Gardens. I urge you to protest to your Councillor about diverting our Gardens levy to other uses.
Curator’s Column Dr Liz Caddick
I am pleased to be able to write in this 10th Anniversary edition. As 28 July draws closer, the Friends Centre is becoming even more of a hive of activity than usual. It is a real inspiration to see everyone working so hard, sharing their skills and resources, to help make the 10 th Anniversary celebration an event to remember. This will be a fantastic opportunity to promote the Gardens to the wider community and I’d like to thank everyone who’s working so hard to make it happen. As a newcomer to the Gardens, I’m still learning about their history, and some of the before and after photos I’ve been shown are incredible! Such a lot has been achieved in just ten years, which makes me very excited about what we can potentially achieve in the next ten, with the ongoing support of the Friends and community. Autumn has been busy and it has been great to get some plants in the ground, especially after last season’s losses to storm and drought. Some losses from Cyclone Oswald were replaced during the Autumn community planting, and it was wonderful to see so many people participating in this event and to meet a few Gardens visitors and supporters. The Skilling Queensland trainees have created a new garden near our Marbella Boulevard entrance. The intent of this garden is to showcase some of the stunning flowering trees and shrubs we can grow in Southeast Queensland gardens. Keep a lookout in Spring, when the bulbs start to flower. Thank you to all the trainees who’ve worked so hard on this and other projects around the gardens. Our current group is the last of the Skilling Queensland groups and we will miss them very much when they finish in June. Thanks to Nathan for hard work and attentive supervision. You may also have noticed another group of TAFE trainees in the gardens – these Conservation and Land Management students are working in the Mangroves to Mountains precinct as part of their Weeds unit. In March we welcomed Wendy Lamp as Supervisor of the Gardens Maintenance team. Wendy knows the Gardens well, having supervised the trainee groups for the past two years, so she has hit the ground running and is settling well into her busy role. Big thanks also to Paul Thompson for his work as Maintenance Supervisor for the past few months, and for putting up with all my questions! You may have noticed that the old storage containers were recently moved from the maintenance compound. These are now being replaced with a single storage shed and office, which will make the compound tidier and safer, and allow the maintenance team to function effectively until funds are available for a more permanent maintenance area. The Botanic Gardens Advisory Group will be looking into the long term location of this, and other Gardens infrastructure, later in the year. (Continued on page 4)
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Memories come flooding back as I reflect on the last ten years at the Botanic Gardens. Not the least is the huge effect the gardens have had on my personal life, in particular meeting and later marrying Kate and meeting and working beside so many Friends on so many Gardens projects. I well remember the very first Community Planting Day in the Mangrove to Mountains Transect, amongst the Camphor laurels where the Eucalypt Woodland is now located. I was one of the many “walk in” volunteers that day, and never imagined in my wildest dreams how I would become so much more involved in the future. At the time it was also hard to imagine how many more plants the community and Friend’s would plant in the next 10 years, and how the M to M would develop. It would take too much time to go back over how my involvement increased and take too long to describe the many hours of working with Kate and others on later projects. All this time working on the regular Maintenance Days with a wonderful group of Friend’s was another big part of my life. For me the highlights of our work include the Gum Tree Corridor and the Montane Garden within the 23 Zones of the Mangroves to Mountains as well as the Eastern Precinct and Friend’s Centre Gardens. It certainly has not been all plain sailing over the ten years, with disappointments and frustrations along the way. We struggle with soil moisture that can broadly be described as ”too dry” and “too wet”. Preparation has often been hampered by limited budget and poor understanding of the design intent. Too often the Mangroves to Mountain development has been thought of as re-vegetation and not as a designed garden. I have always dreamed of the gardens having a functional and professional nursery. We are now on the way to achieving this with another wonderful group of Friends. For the next ten years it is my hope that Friend’s will continue to grow and prosper and that our Gardens will receive the funding and respect they have earned.
(Continued from page 3) Curator’s Column
Other projects in the pipeline include replanting the Bedding Displays to make them spectacular for spring, remediation works around the Gardens Lake to stabilise eroding banks, tidying up the Mangroves to Mountains precinct for 28 July and developing a Memorial Arboretum for Australian soldiers who have been
killed in Afghanistan. I am also trying to improve access to our temporary toilet, and hope we will have a more accessible structure in place in the next couple of months. In the mean time, good luck with the next few weeks of preparations for the 10th Anniversary, and I look forward to meeting some more of you there.
10 Years of Memories Alan Donaldson
Secretary’s Desk Mary Woods
secretary@fgcbg.org.au
0449 561 674
Notice of Special General Meeting Friends Management Committee has resolved to add a further class of membership for the Friends – Honorary Life Membership. It was felt that there should be an opportunity for Friends to bestow an honorary life membership should that be deemed appropriate from time to time. A change is required to our Rules and By-laws to include this class of membership. Consequently, you will find in this newsletter, the Notice of a Special General Meeting to precede our July monthly meeting. As many Friends members as possible are asked to attend this special meeting to consider the motion. The monthly meeting to follow may be of particular interest th as well, since our 10 Anniversary Celebration will be the main issue and we want as many Friends as possible to come along and enjoy this significant event on National
Tree Day, Sunday 28 July. Gold Coast Marathon Sunday 7 July Friends will again be responsible for the 22.5km Aid Station of the Marathon this year. As usual, we will need 20 people to help dispense water to the thousands of runners in this iconic Gold Coast event. This is a great opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with the famous and not-so-famous and to engage with the runners, boosting their spirits on the home stretch. We always have a lot of fun and the more the merrier. The initial set-up is about 5am, but most helpers are needed from 6.30 to the wrap-up about 10.30. All volunteers receive a special 2013 GC Marathon tee-shirt and hat (provided by sponsor Suncorp). If you would like to be part of the event, please let me know as soon as possible: secretary@friendsgcrbg.org.au, or ph. 0449 561 674.
Another successful grant application Friends are very excited to announce that we have been successful with our application to the Bjarne K Dahl Trust for a grant of $9000.00. For more information about this wonderful trust please visit their website: www.dahltrust.org.au We sought funds to undertake our Gum Tree Corridor Stories – Eucalypt Interpretation Project, to fabricate and install creative interpretation signage for the Gum Tree Corridor and Blackbutt Community zones. The interpretation signs will graphically present plant stories relating to early plant hunters, taxonomy, and the morphological and identification characteristics that distinguish Eucalypts. It will also include local stories and describe the relationship with fauna of the region and include messages promoting conservation. This Project will be significant, raising the profile of our Botanic Gardens’ Eucalypt collection and Eucalypts in general.
Visit by Cr Paul Taylor Cr Paul Taylor attended our Friends meeting on Monday evening 3 June 2013. He was welcomed by our President, David Baguley who outlined some of Friends recent successes and challenges. Cr Taylor advised that he had identified funds from his Divisional resources to support the Friends 10th Anniversary Celebration. He also intends to provide financial support for the Council’s Education in the Gardens program. Friends thanked Cr Taylor for this funding support for Friends and the Gardens. Cr Taylor spoke frankly about the limits of Council funding for infrastructure for our Gardens over the next several years. David reiterated the Friends’ role and our partnership with Council, including our volunteers serving on the Botanic Gardens Advisory Group and the Horticultural Reference Group. David pointed out that Friends recognise the importance of finding additional funding, particularly in successful bidding for very competitive grants. He mentioned our recent success in securing $9000.00 from the Dahl Trust for an interpretation project for the Gum Tree Corridor, the offer of $75,000.00 from Rotary Club of Gold Coast for an education shelter, and the hours of effort in preparing and lodging four other grant applications so far this year. Our major concerns for the Gardens were discussed: the poor toilet facilities, the lack of a proper visitor centre, and issues relating to the temporary maintenance facility, and the need to prepare a strategic plan for the Gardens. David mentioned that we would like Cr Taylor, as a ‘Champion’ for the Gardens, to continue to promote the Gardens to the Mayor and other Councillors, as an important regional botanic gardens to ensure the regional importance of conservation, horticulture, education, research and social relevance are emphasised, and to ensure recognition of our place in a growing Queensland, national and international network of botanic gardens. Cr Taylor was reminded that as a member of the Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens, we are hosting the national conference in August 2014 and are hopeful of support from Council. It was pointed out that Friends members have visited botanic gardens around Australia and globally and established relationships that benefit our Gardens; that in fact, several Friends, including four Committee members are currently visiting seven major gardens in the UK. Coordinators of Friends groups reported current developments in Friends’ range of activities – Education, Nursery and Gardening groups, SMART Gardeners, Garden Guiding, Library and Archives, Herbarium, Communications and promotion, craft group, visitor information services, and, preparations for the 10th Anniversary Celebration. Cr Taylor noted the significant, professional contribution of Friends to the development and operation of our Botanic Gardens. He will attend meetings periodically and confirmed his support both for the Gardens and for the efforts of the Friends. Mary Woods
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Australian Plants Gold Coast News and views The Broadwater Parklands was the site for the latest Australian Plants monthly outing-cum-meeting. While our earlier years followed the traditional ‘evening meeting with speaker’ format, the last two years have successfully trialled monthly daytime visits to native plantings of interest, including private gardens. Next year’s Leader may have other ideas. Our group tries to foster members’ interests in Australian Plants, be they in developing skills in propagation and growing or in discovery and identification. On the first Saturday in May we assembled at the old Southport Bathing Pavilion, a heritage example of the Spanish Mission style architecture of the 1930s. In front, the Fig tree Ficus benjamina is about 80 years old. Nearby to the north the venerable cotton tree Hibiscus tiliaceus appears to be a wellused climbing tree . Along the pathway to the south are excellent plantings of other local trees including Coastal Sheoak Casuarina equisetifolia, Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Pandanus Pandanus tectorius and Grey Mangrove Avicennia marina, framing the Broadwater views. More than 22,000 mangroves were planted along the Broadwater foreshore to establish a wetland along with extensive yabby banks and sea grass areas. This mangrove wetland improves the quality of stormwater discharged into the Broadwater and increases the diversity in marine habitat within the Parklands. The Council is to be congratulated on accepting a design for the Broadwater Parklands which incorporates not only extensive plantings of local native species but a comprehensive storm water management plan and solar power use. The paved areas are designed so that run-off provides passive irrigation for the landscaped areas and minimises the potential negative impact of urban run-off on the Broadwater. Bio-retention basins are designed so that treated stormwater
seeps through the sandy soil to recharge the local groundwater aquifer. Reclamation and nourishment works have moved 110,000 cubic metres of sand to the previously eroded Parklands foreshore, generating new dunal and beach environments. These areas are much used by human and water-bird visitors. Lyn
April in Di’s garden in Paradise Point My 'greedy garden' or 'survival of the fittest' garden covers a suburban block. The mostly native garden is growing on pumped up sand on a previous mangrove swamp, one street from the Broadwater. My garden has evolved first having to play second fiddle to boys playing soccer and cricket— into a piece of bush with a mature tuckeroo, all manner of lillipilliis, many melaleucas (callistemons mostly whose species names I have forgotten) and a wonderful small ever flowering iron bark I had thought was Eucalyptus melanophloia. The only grass is now on the footpath. The garden is fully mulched, with many small plants such as native grasses (Oplismenus aemulus or creeping beard grass has established as a lovely ground cover). Ferns, orchids (the shepherd's crook orchids have done well this year), and shrubs like Graptophyllum illicifolium, Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus, Zeiria smithii and Abelmoschus moschatus (native rosella) self seed throughout the front yard. (Right: Di, Kris & Silver) The backyard is dominated by a large tuckeroo and a very substantial Syzygium olesum (blue lillipilli). However there was room for a butterfly garden and the Pavetta australiensis, various Austromyrtus spp. and two rare plants (Jasminium jenniae and the Acalypha "Big scrub") flower well. More than 70 native species live cheek by jowl on the 28 perches, giving me and the many birds and lizards lots of pleasure. We won't mention the leaves in the pool! Diane Wagner
Series -LOCAL NATIVE PLANTS
Australian Plants and the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
No 6
The inaugural general meeting of Friends was held on 31 May 1999, and Australian Plants (formerly Society of Growing Australian Plants) were well represented. Australian Plants members Peter and Lyn Reilly were both committed and inspirational in the founding of the Friends. I remember Peter and Lyn travelling from their home at Paradise Point to Tallebudgera Valley to work on the incorporation application at my home. And anyone who was part of the early days must remember Lyn’s incredible letter writing ability as well as Peter’s detailed application for incorporation. From my point of view we have created more than a Botanic Garden, we have forged enduring friendships based on common principles and working together with a common goal. It’s amazing to recall that with Australian Plants promotion and hard work, there were over 4000 letters of support for the Gardens establishment at Rosser Park. Peter was our first Friends Treasurer and later Membership Coordinator, and Lyn has had various roles including Vice President and all round champion and advocate. Usually Lyn pens the Australian Plants sub groups article in this newsletter...but for this for this very special issue I have elected to mark their contribution. I recall that Australian Plants support of a Botanic Gardens was based on showcasing the regions native plants, and can now be confident that we are achieving this goal. The Gardens have many hundreds of regional species, many never seen in ornamental landscape before. Peter and Lyn are enjoying some ‘down time’ in the UK and Canada, but true to style they are spending their recreation time learning more about botanic gardens. Seen here at Oxford Botanic Gardens….the oldest in the UK.
Banksia aemula (Wallum Banksia)
‗Our Emblem‘ FAMILY: Proteaceae DISTRIBUTION: The wallum banksia is found in coastal sands from Port Curtis region into northern New South Wales. Its range on the Gold Coast has contracted to Pine Ridge Environmental Park and Gold Coast airport area. DESCRIPTION: Depending on local conditions, Banksia aemula varies in size from a gnarled shrub to a small tree up to 8 metres tall. Leaves are alternate or whorled, discolorous and serrated, generally up to 20 cm x 1.5 cm. Flowers are cream to yellowish in dense brushes to 20 cm x 12 cm in winter. Seeds are held in follicles on woody cones which open after fire.
Peter and Lyn—Oxford Botanic Gardens May 2013
To mention just a few of the incredible Australian Plants advocates I include Beth and Grahame McDonald, Bonnie Yee, Gene Rosser, the late Desley Acton, Di Wagner, Kris Taylor, Allen Compton and Alan Donaldson. I trust the Gardens are fulfilling your vision of showcasing our regional flora. Kate
CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION: Our floral emblem is easily grown from seed released from the woody follicles after 30 minutes in a low oven. Seeds are sown in spring. Place them point downward in a well-drained propagation mix containing some peat and keep moist but not wet. They are best grown in a sandy soil but can survive in mounded clay soils in an open position. (Our tree is 36 years old in clay soil.) The flowers are attractive to honeyeaters.
Text and photo: Graham McDonald Author: Grow Natives on the Gold Coast: a practical guide for gardeners Page 7
10 years on .... Friends Founder and Communications Coordinator
Kate Heffernan
It‘s a time for a celebration, but also a time for reflection on the last ten years and a time for looking to the future. The Friends were formed as an incorporated group in 1997, and spent the first few years lobbying for the development of a Gold Coast Regional Botanic Garden. Recommendations made by the then council stressed the role of Friends as pivotal to the Gardens establishment, and Friends went on to participate in the site selection and the Master Planning process. This year marks 10 years of practical contribution to the establishment of the landscape and Living Collection as well as numerous operational tasks and visitor activities. The first planting day on 27 July, 2003 was a momentous occasion and the start of even bigger and better things to follow. Friends started with a concept sketch showing the route of the M to M by Master Planners, Landplan Studios, and Botanic Gardens champion Lawrie Smith. The buildup to the day was immense. Gardens Project Officer Kit Smith lent his and Councils support to Friends role as planting planners and coordinators. It was a dream come true for those early members of Friends—and for my own part the excitement was detailing the planting plan, selecting the plants and working alongside GCCC Officers Di Wagner and Don Hawkins in the site preparation assisted by Gold Coast TAFE and council trainees. A united commitment ensued, and later plantings were continually supported by Kit, Di and Don and their council teams, and later Lara Solyma, Col Brown and David Webb from Citywide Greening. Council‘s Gardens budget then and still does cover plant purchases, site preparation and maintenance. The Friends and council partnership was forged in those early days. With Ross Greenwood, then GCCC Parks Superintendent, I attended an international Botanic Gardens convention ‗Conservation, Culture and Commercialism’ in Canberra. It reinforced Friends and Councils joint commitment and direction. I‘ve been asked if I anticipated the Gardens ever achieving their status with both the community and the network of Botanic Gardens in Australia and overseas. My answer is a resounding yes. But, while the Gardens are highly thought of, it is also fair to comment that the critically important botanic and horticultural element sometimes falls short as a priority because of various resource constraints. I am confident though, that with time the collection will be better understood and valued for its contribution to science, conservation and education and for the distinctive local character it represents. From the start the vision was always to create a Botanic Garden that represented the region and belonged to the community. Other driving factors included conservation, habitat, education, and a garden that is an example for both amateur and professional gardeners to follow. The ideal way to achieve these outcomes has been to involve the community, horticulture students and schools in every ‗step along the garden path‘. Ten years of planting days equates to over 40 Community events, and many special event planting days involving schools, and various local and visiting organisations. Friends have planned, coordinated and planted the Mangroves to Mountains Transect; Eastern Precinct Native Gardens; Friends centre Gardens; Regional Arboretum; Taxonomic Collection of Regional Trees Page 8
‘While we are frustrated at the lengthy process, we remind ourselves that a Botanic Gardens was not even on Councils Agenda 6 months ago.’ Newsletter, Presidents Report, Kate Heffernan November 1999
Friends also made a significant contribution to the planting of the Horticulture Display Gardens where they coordinated two huge working bees with Rotary to plant the Sensory Garden. Friends have also worked tirelessly with schools, neighbours and the community to establish the Regional Bush Foods and the Buffer Garden and annual Arbor Day planting ceremonies. Where would we be without Friends? Just reading this issue and the reports of the various teams shows the growth, the strength and the commitment that has developed in ten years.
On this special 10th Anniversary Friends and council environmental weeds of the Gold Coast. Although sadly and all our supporters can rightly be proud of the Gold heavily infested with weeds again, many of the original Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. trees have prospered, and given time the Dry As years went by roles changed, and new members Rainforest will achieve its intended collection zone were attracted by the positive energy and on the status. Other challenges include the removal of some ground results of the Friends. Subsequent to my initial of the Camphor laurels which have impacted on many presidency, successive Presidents included Jan Har- planting projects.. It has taken resilience and a strong rington, long standing President Nick Bloor, and cur- commitment to the role of botanic gardens as rent President David Baguley. It is significant that the environmental leaders to model a precedent in removgardens development further evolved with the al of these beautiful, yet noxious and harmful invasive appointment of Senior Horticulturist Patrick Whiteley trees. Likewise the relocation of feral domestic geese to supervise the maintenance, GCRBG Project Control and ducks, the implementation of the second car park Group and Horticulture Reference Group, Friends Rep- despite vocal opposition by some neighbours, and the resentative, Alan Donaldson as Living Collections Co- battle for decent infrastructure befitting a Botanic ordinator and recently Dr Liz Caddick as Curator and Gardens in a city of our size. Wendy Lamp as Gardens Senior Horticulturist. Not to My hopes for the future of the Gardens are unchanged mention the numerous Friends coordinators and their from the very beginnings of the Friends....here are teams! Through these changing times Friends have just some of my current wishes ...completion of the M been ably led by President Nick Bloor, an outstanding to M including the Wallum and Mangroves, linking pathstrategist and Friend in all ways. Tireless and expert ways from the Montane, past the Nursery and BlackFriends Secretary Mary Woods and the remarkable sup- butt community, through the Araucaria Forest to the porting committee now complete the picture. Closed Forest Gorge. Also more extensive interpretaAmong the many challenges creating the M to M, possibly the most challenging planting has been the Dry Rainforest, planted in August 2005 during the worst drought the Gold Coast had experienced. Friends showed their commitment by having six volunteers accredited as recycled water users, and twice weekly hand watering ensured the survival of the plants through extreme environmental conditions. Prior to this planting Di and Don and their teams spent two years removing and controlling some of the worst
tion, improvements to the entrance, an education and training facility, a Biodiversity Centre and Herbarium. In time a functional maintenance compound that supports horticulture training and demonstrates best practice in the ‗science behind the spade‘, and of course decent public toilets. Looking back over the years of challenges it is the enduring friendships, partnerships, fun and achievements in the Gardens that we celebrate this year.
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The Herbarium ….a VITAL COG It is only ten years since the Gold Coast added the Botanic Gardens to its cultural, scientific and community well-being. The Council is to be congratulated for listening to a committed group of its concerned citizens who saw the need for establishing a vital aspect in its surrounds. This active group was the ‗Friends‘, and those perceptive people are to be congratulated on their efforts to provide us with this vital institution. All major cities have Botanic Gardens and these are the most visited of all the component parts which make a city. Botanic Gardens around the world have a Herbarium in close proximity although not necessarily directly linked. Queensland‘s Herbarium is the responsibility of the Qld Govt, whilst the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are operated by the Brisbane City Council. All other capital city Botanic Gardens are under the auspice of the relevant state government as are their Herbaria. The Friends have gradually expanded the activities of our Gardens. Four enthusiastic Friends kick- started the Herbarium at a meeting in October 2008. (Newsletter Nov 2008) After the Friends Centre was installed the collection was commenced. While the Council provided staff for general maintenance of the Gardens, it was left to the Friends to find volunteers for the various activities which are also part of a Gardens‘ operation. The most important initial step was to determine the policy and the procedures required to manage this new venture for our young Gardens. The agreed policy outlined the steps to be followed. Firstly a collection of those species growing in the Gardens would be established. This gave the volunteers the opportunity to learn the many aspects of preserving parts for a dried specimen. It was necessary to work with GCCC to design labels, collecting books, accession records and build a reference library. This collection of species found in the Gardens can
now be found in Family Folders in the Friends Centre as a public reference. It was not until the Council was able to provide an airconditioned building that the second step in the policy could be implemented. This was to establish a reference collection of those species found in SouthEast Queensland. This would reinforce our role as a Regional Botanic Garden. Having a controlled environment to house these specimens will enable these to be kept for future research and education. Our group also now assists the work of the State Herbarium by providing it with specimens from this area of Queensland. Materials used by our Herbarium include acid-free mounting paper and archival tape for attaching specimens. We are now developing a data base for our collection. Volunteers who meet and work on Tuesdays and Saturdays include collectors who have knowledge of plant identification, researchers who compile information and those who carry out the pressing, mounting and maintenance of the collection. The Herbarium group now works in conjunction with the Queensland and other Herbaria to provide specimens and increase networking for better botanical knowledge. It also works closely with Council staff managing the many natural reserves in adding to a better understanding of the vegetation of this part of the state. The Herbarium is seen as a vital cog in the operations of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. Neil Morley Herbarium Coordinator
Images State Herbarium visit - May 2013 , Laura Ryan State Herbarium visit - October 2010, Kate Heffernan
Childrens‘ Education Rana Baguley Education Coordinator
As the year rolls on and we approach winter, we have had two successful Botanica Quests with another planned for the June/July holidays. Mark Friday 5 July for our next Botanica Quest at the Friends Centre. Botanica Quest was first
launched in October 2008! To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Friends first planting we will also have a mini Botanica Quest for children who attend on Sunday 28 July. It should be a busy, yet wonderful day! Presently the Botanic Gardens cater for school aged children in educating about the importance of plants in the natural environment. We have had discussions about extending the sphere of activities to include preschool aged children. This is very exciting, as presently we do not have specific activities catering for this age group. Many young families visit the Gardens so it would be great if they could become involved in activities that would begin to teach and inspire them about plants. Not only will young children engaged, but also parents.
The butterfly display was inspired by a visit to the Tweed River Art Gallery where an exhibition, ‘Beauty from Nature … art of the Scott sisters‘ was being held. The Tweed and Byron Councils, along with NSW Environmental Trust, funded the production of the poster, ―Butterflies of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland‖. Thank you to Ian Parer, a Friend of the GCRBG for acquiring the poster for us to display. Those of you who have seen the poster would have been amazed at the beauty and variety of the butterflies that live in our region. Our Botanic Gardens collection has a Butterfly Garden zone in the Mangroves to Mountains precinct, but many Lepidopterans are regularly seen throughout the whole gardens. Apart from identifying different species of butterflies, the display focused on the lifecycle of this insect, the difference between a moth and butterfly and the plight of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Lynette Reilly, one of our talented Friends has written a children‘s book about the plight of this butterfly called ―Birdwings’ New Home‖ while Lois Hughes has illustrated the book beautifully. The vine, Pararistolochia praevenosa, on which the caterpillars feed, have been planted to encourage the return of this vulnerable species. In years to come let‘s hope we can see these butterflies along with others in the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. In 2009 the Gardens schools education commenced with a pilot program ―Wow. This is ‗sense‘ ational!‖ The schools education program is continually growing .
The colourful Butterfly Display at the Friends Centre will soon be changed … so watch this space! Many people have a fascination with butterflies so the display was popular. Hopefully, everyone learnt a little more about these delicate creatures. Planning will soon begin for Arbor Day celebrated in October each year. Arbor Day celebrations commenced in 2008. Last year ten schools attended and planted in the Fruits of the Forest Garden. Invitations will be extended to schools across the fourteen divisions of the Gold Coast as well as to local Councillors. It is always very rewarding to have students involved in this tree planting event each year.
Image — Arbor Day 2009 with Gene Rosser, Patron of Friends, Victoria Lightfoot, TAFE International Horticulture Student and Benowa State School Student planting in the Fruits of the Forest zone.
Creative Activities on the verandah of the Friends Centre
*join
in the Botanica Quest Fun with Rana & Helpers
A great response came from members wanting to participate in the Garden Guide training sessions conducted by Kate Heffernan. 19 FGCRBG members answered the call to participate and the initial training has been well attended at three separate sessions.
Garden Guides News
11th April - Introduction, induction and training 17th April - Regional plants in the Mangroves to Mountains Transect nd 2 May - Ecologically compatible plants for the Gold Coast in the Display Gardens. Everyone was very appreciative with Kate sharing her extensive knowledge of the history and the Living Collection of the Gardens and also giving us many tips on handling different situations that might occur when guiding.
ROSE GARDEN The Rose Garden is another activity within our FRIENDS Volunteers Group that may interest keen gardeners. It is the newest of the gardening activity groups within the FRIENDS, coming together about this time last year, in time for the Spring planting. Following a wonderful fresh planting and nurturing of the older plants, we were rewarded with wonderful flushes of flowers in Summer and Autumn. We have had our ups and downs recently with all the rain and various other gardening issues, but, on the whole, the Rose Garden is nourished and cared for and continues to make progress. The pruning back for Winter will happen in July and with
Mothers Day Art and Craft Congratulations to the Art and Craft group of Friends on the success of their Mothers' Day Stall at St. Kevin's Catholic Primary School Benowa on May 6—7. After several creative workshops at The Centre this team of talented ladies produced 150 hand-crafted gifts. All were beautifully gift-wrapped for the students to purchase for their mothers. The stall was sold out in two days and the children were thrilled with the selection of gifts being offered.
There have been a number of Garden Tours since the last Friends meeting. Some of them were: 8 April
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Veolia Bus Tour from Redlands (20) (Peter Reilly & Di Wagner)
9 April
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18 April
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Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Seniors (12) (Mary Woods) Veolia Bus Tour from Greenslopes, Logan, Beenleigh (40) (Lyn Reilly, Rana Baguley & Mary Woods)
30 April
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Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Seniors (10) (Mary Woods)
Shelly another Spring planting planned we look forward to a healthy, colourful Summer season. Our small group is excited in the knowledge that money may well be spent to increase the size and decorative aspects of the garden, directing it towards being our dream of a Rose Arbor. If you are a member of Friends and think the Rose Garden would offer you an outlet for creative energy, please don‘t hesitate to make contact at the FRIENDS CENTRE. Be prepared for such ―grass-roots‖ jobs as weeding, pruning, scraping up leaves, spraying and generally scratching in the garden. You will find such work going on each WEDNESDAY 7:00am- 9:00am. Joan Dell and Elinor Cox (The Wednesday Morning Girls)
We would like to sincerely thank St. Kevin's for involving the community in this endeavour. Thank you Friends craft team for all your time and expertise in the creation of such beautiful items. Proceeds from the stall will go towards the Rose Garden. Nancy McWatters
Kate Heffernan conducts training sessions for present and future guides assisted by Alan and Mary
Display table at St .Kevin's
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION : Results & Celebration As a result of the success of the Friends inaugural promotional calendar, produced last year by the Craft Team, coordinated by Noreen Swan and Elinor Cox, it was decided to extend one step further this year. As a result the long-held dream of holding a Photographic Competition to produce the photographs for the 2014 Calendar came into fruition. The Craft Club is happy to announce the successful completion of the Photography Competition for our FRIENDS‘ Members on the 22 April. The winners were announced at the first FRIENDS‘ social function for the Year, A Wine and Cheese Evening on Saturday, 11 May. The most successful entrant, winning the position of the cover page on the Calendar was Peter Reilly, a long-time member of FRIENDS. Being a very keen photographer, Peter is delighted with his prize of a Day‘s Photography Workshop with Lucas Muro; Lucas is a Professional Photographer and regular visitor to our Gardens. Twelve other photos were chosen to feature as the image for the individual month of the Year. Photographic Competition Winners and Runners up :
Doranthus palmeri & Xanthorrhoea glauca: Alan Donaldson
Busy Day in the Gardens: Lyn Reilly
The Judging Panel of five selected the photographs according to its registration number (not the photographer‘s name as these were unknown by the panel) and set criteria. This resulted in six people sharing the twelve possible places. At the Celebration all winners and entrants were thanked appreciatively for their interest and support of FRIENDS and were assured that all photos will be used in the coming year in the promotion of our continually developing, wonderful Regional Botanic Gardens. All winners will receive the gift of one of the first 2014 Calendars due to be on sale in September. There was much merriment at the Wine and Cheese Party on our favourite veranda to celebrate the event. After being wined, dined and entertained by Archie Cox, wine representative from Moet Hennesy, many members browsed the Photographic display in the Centre and reminisced with stories of photographs taken and Friends activities enjoyed over the years. The display of the Winners and all photographs entered can be viewed and enjoyed by all visitors over the coming months at the Friends Centre . Elinor
Autumns Shining Serenity: Claudia Knapman
Australasian Grebe & Bub: Kay Schiller
Pollen Bee : Kay Schiller
Freshwater Lagoon: Russell Heinecke
Hakea cv ‗Stockdale Sensation‘ & Bees: Alan Donaldson
Freshwater Lagoon: Russell Heinecke Freshwater Lagoon: Russell Heinecke
A Secret Place : Lyn Reilly
Reflective Recharge: Claudia Knapman
Sulphur-crested cockatoo: Peter Reilly
Winning photograph Peter Reilly Black Swan with cygnets
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Mother’s Day stall The Friends Craft Group would like to report a wonderful success from our first Mothers' Day venture. Thanks and big Congratulations are due to Nancy McWatters for organising our $5 gift packages for the children of St Kevin's School. We enjoyed ourselves at a
colourful Botanic Gardens Stall outside the school library making a brisk trade before school each day and at Morning Tea time. We sold out in 2 days so attractive and colourful were the packages. A big ‗congratulations‘ to the team for all our enjoyable creativity and happy moments. The proceeds from our stall will go towards
Swan: Kay Schiller
The Spires & Bells of Spiders Heaven: Claudia Knapman
the further development of the Gardens. We were most impressed with the warm welcome given by the staff and students. Our volunteers commented on the excellent manners displayed by all the students. We look forward to continued involvement with the school. Elinor Cox
NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING WHEN
Monday 1 July 2013 at 5.15pm
WHERE Friends Centre Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Rosser Park 232 Ashmore Road, Benowa Notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting, in accordance with Rule 24.1 (a) of the Rules and By-laws of the Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Inc. The Special General Meeting is to be held at the above time and place to consider: a proposed amendment to paragraph 4, Classes of Membership, of the Rules and By-laws of the Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Inc. to include an Honorary Life membership. Mary Woods Secretary
Regular activities Garden Maintenance Mornings – every Wednesday at 7.00 am Herbarium Sessions – Tuesdays and Saturdays 9-12, Herbarium demountable Nursery group – Fridays, 8-10 am (meet at Friends Centre) Craft Group - 1st Mondays 10-12 Friends meetings – 1st Mondays 5.30 – 7.30pm, Friends Centre (except January)
Quilt of Diversity - A wonderful mosaic at the entry to the Sensory Garden artists—left to right Midge Johansen, Yvette Barta, Nasrin Vaziri (project designer & manager) Draghitza Diaz, Kristina Kala & Sadaf Vaziri. Nancy McWatters at St Kevin‘s
BOOKS for Sale Prices shown have been discounted for Friends members.
Grow Natives on the Gold Coast: a practical guide for
Kate & Alan with
Gardeners by Graham J. McDonald. Published by our Australian Plants Group. Includes: soil types of the Gold Coast; solving problems associated with each soil type; choosing the best natives for your area; creating a Garden which supports local wildlife. $12.00
Cr Dawn Crichlow
Mangroves to Mountains (Rev. ed.) A great field guide to the identification of over 2 200 plants from SE Qld. By Glenn Leiper, Jan Glazebrook, Denis Cox & Kerry Rathie. Published by the Logan River Branch, SGAP (Qld Region) Inc. Full colour. $47.00
Create More Butterflies: A guide to 48 butterflies and their host plants for SEQ and northern NSW. Frank Jordan & Helen Schwencke. Includes photos of caterpillars; getting started with butterfly Gardening; wild butterfly locations and much more. A publication of Earthling Enterprises. $25.00
Poisonous to Pets: plants poisonous to dogs and cats by Nicole O‘Kane.
The Friends Centre: before and after garden development: Have you visited?
$32.00
Micky’s Music: A picture story book about a soldier crab seeking his true self amid coastal Casuarina‘s and mangroves Written by Lynette Reilly. illustrated by Sharon Dye, published by Greater Glider. $10.00
Dictionary of Botanical Names compiled and illustrated by Don Perrin. $14.00
Birdwings New Home: A pair of Birdwing Butterflies experience trouble and joy as they move house, seeking new friends and a place to live‘. Picture story book by Lynette Reilly, foundation member of FRIENDS, and illustrated by Lois Hughes. Published by the Friends. $15.00
A drink bubbler and dog bowl has been installed near the western car park adjacent to the concrete path, opposite parking bays 42/43.
Available from the Friends Centre or contact secretary BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
MERCHANDISE for Sale Friends Golf shirts Green. Poly/cotton. $20 Cap
$15
Bucket hat
$20
Commemorative Friends thermos cup with handle. Stainless steel inside & out. $10
Definition of a Botanic Garden
Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education.
Spring Planting Day Sunday 29 September 2013 Page 15
10 Years of Community Planting. We invite you to help us celebrate the contribution made by the Friends and Community in the development of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. The first planting was on 27 July 2003.
10th Birthday Celebration Party Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens 28 July, 2013 From 9 a.m A special thanks to member Katherine Page for organisation of this event
Congratulations to the winner of the Mother‘s Day Basket, Sylvia Phillips. Sylvia was very excited and planned to use some of the gifts on her trip overseas. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets in the Guessing Competition and supported this fundraiser for projects in the Gardens.
Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Newsletter Deadline
Please have your copy in for the Summer Edition by 21 August 2013
Many thanks to the Gold Coast City Council for its assistance in the printing of this publication . PO Box 5653 GCMC QLD 9726***Email: friends@gcrbg.org.au ***Web: www.friendsgcrbg.org.au ***Ph: 0449 561 674*** 232 Ashmore Road Benowa