The Friends of the Gardens are a diverse group of people who love and support the Australian National Btanic Gardens – the world’s largest collection of Australian native plants. They have an extensive program of talks, visits and social events held throughout the year. There are many opportunities for members and visitors to meet, learn, grow and enjoy the riches of this very special place.
The Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens was launched on 14 October 1990 as a community support group for the Gardens, they have raised and spent around $3/4 million on projects in the Gardens and now have 1800 members. Their aims are to continue to increase community awareness of the scientific, educational, recreational and conservation functions of the Gardens and to continue to provide activities for the benefit and pleasure of their members. They support the Gardens in many other ways too, such as leading guided walks to show visitors the wonders of the Gardens, and hands on support of research programs.
Visit the friends of the Gardens website
The Public Fund of the Friends of the Gardens
The Public Fund was established in 2004. It operates under provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act that allow approved environmental organisations to seek tax-deductible donations.
The Public Fund aims to attract donations to finance worthwhile projects within the Gardens - projects of the kind that could not be financed from the Gardens' budget.
The first project to be financed from the Public Fund was an architect-designed shelter adjacent to the Rock Garden Lawn. It was opened in March 2007 by Her Excellency Mrs Marlena Jeffery. The cost of that project was $48,000.
As the Fund increases through donations and bequests more opportunities will occur to add fine features in support of the horticultural endeavours of the Gardens.
We invite all who admire and enjoy the Gardens to support its development in this way.
A brochure giving details of the Public Fund is available from the Visitors Centre, and can be downloaded from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens website.