Moree Botanic Gardens hosts Garden Clubs Australia Northwest Zone Picnic
FRIENDS of Moree Regional Botanic Gardens were delighted to host the Garden Clubs Australia Northwest Zone picnic in Moree on Saturday.
The picnic – also the perfect opportunity to celebrate 20 years’ operation for the Moree Plains Garden Club and 10 years for the Friends of Moree Regional Botanic Gardens – was held in conjunction with the Moree Plains Garden Club at the Heber Street Botanic Gardens.
Nearly 100 people attended, with some visitors travelled more than three hours to celebrate.
The picnic also celebrated 20 years’ operation for the Moree Plains Garden Club and 10 years for the Friends of Moree Regional Botanic Gardens
Guest speakers included Garden Clubs Australia president George Hoad and Mole River Nursery’s Sarah Caldwell, who discussed the incorporation of native species into gardens in the region.
Moree Plains Garden Club president Carolyn Humphries said the weather was perfect for such an event.
“It was wonderful to welcome so many people to Moree, especially as it was such a beautiful day,” Mrs Humphries said.
“It is a great opportunity to see the progress being made with the Moree Botanic Gardens, and to see two local gardens, too.
“Mr and Mrs Angus Livingston had their garden ‘Curratum’ open, showcasing some unique examples of beautiful trees, and Mr and Mrs Simon Upton had their garden in town open as well,” she said.
Jenni Birch presented an introduction to the Moree Botanic Gardens which, over time, will run along the southern bank of the Mehi River from Edward Street through to the Heber Street gravel pit site behind the Moree Services Club.
“The Heber Street design incorporates a series of open garden rooms showcasing ecologically threatened indigenous plant communities from the Moree region.
Nearly 100 people attended the Garden Clubs Australia Northwest Zone Picnic, held in Moree on Saturday.
The semi-evergreen vine thicket garden was the first garden to be established, with support from the North-West Local Land Services and the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country program.
A carbeen eucalypts and local rock entrance, supported by Inland Technology in Moree with volcanic boulders donated by Mr and Mrs Hugh Livingston, was established shortly afterwards.
“Key species which have been planted as part of the semi-evergreen vine thicket include dominant canopy plantings such as the belah, and associated canopy species like the brigalow, white box and the kurrajong,” Mrs Birch said.
Moree Botanic Gardens will, over time, run along the southern bank of the Mehi River from Edward Street through to the Heber Street gravel pit site behind the Moree Services Club.
“We have also been able to plant some gargaloo, native jasmine, native grape and wonga vines which are such an important part of the plant community.
“As the gardens grow and more species are added, the Moree Botanic Gardens will become a unique example of local indigenous plant species and communities providing education and relaxation for locals and visitors alike,” said Mrs Birch, adding that Moree Plains Shire Council funded the master plan of the gardens’ design.
Both Moree Garden Clubs rely on volunteers.
New members are always welcome and membership forms can be sourced from Tourism Moree or The Fork and Spade Nursery.
Active gardening volunteers are welcomed by the Friends.
Pease contact Joanne Sweedman on 0457 766 505 or Jenni Birch on 0267549481 if you are interested.