Plant yourself at Wollongong Botanic Garden on 28 May for a Botanic Gardens Day smorgasbord of free nature-focused tours, talks and exhibitions.
Pioneered right here in Wollongong, the national day celebrates the role of plants in our lives and the work botanic gardens do to conserve and protect for future generations.
Wollongong Botanic Gardens Curator Felicity Skoberne said there won't be a dill moment with an overgrown program for nature lovers young and old.
"Our behind-the-scenes nursery tours and native plant sales are always a hit, but this year we have added a range of new activities into the mix that includes a fascinating look into our region's rare plants", said Ms Skoberne.
"We'll share a bunch of garden tips to help you create your own habitat garden or convert the nature strip in front of your home into a thing of beauty. The Botany Bootcamp will get the mind pumping and body moving with some light aerobic action."
"The Kids Tree Trail and Garden Discovery Buggy Tours will be running all day to ensure everyone—from seedlings to the well-established—can get involved."
John Gabriele, host of ABC Radio's The Compost Heap, is the local ambassador for Botanic Gardens Day. He'll be there on the day to participate and share his wisdom.
"It's so important that we protect our native plant species, particularly those that are under threat due to urban expansion. Botanic gardens do this through their vital conservation and education programs," he said.
"Find your inner botanist and come along for a great day on Sunday. Life's a garden, dig it."
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the day was an example of how from little things, big things grow.
"In 2015, we began with an event concept and today Botanic Gardens Day has propagated to involve 100 botanic gardens and arboretum right across Australia and New Zealand.
"This day is all about celebrating the power of plants and the essential, life-giving role they play. We know many people in our community love coming to the Wollongong Botanic Garden to play and enjoy its picnic spaces, but behind the scenes the staff here are fulfilling an important function.
"It's their work and research that helps to preserve and protect place species into the future and this one-day event, is an important way to acknowledge that," said Cr Bradbery.
Some activities require bookings. Visit the Botanic Gardens Day page to view the full program and secure your free spot.
