Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide

• Patrons
• Objects of the Friends
• History
• Member Benefits

Patrons

Her Excellency The Governor, Mrs Marjorie Jackson-Nelson.

Objects of the Friends

• To foster interest in the activities of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.
• To raise funds which may be used for any purpose which has the approval of the Board as being of benefit to the Gardens.

History

Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide logo.

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide were founded in 1977 by Founding President Dr Collin Robjohns and was the first Friends of a Botanic Garden in Australia.

With a current membership of almost 1000, the Friends provide a valuable and active support group for the Gardens and currently give over 11,000 hours of voluntary time each year in various activities within the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide providing visitor services which would not otherwise be available. These include guided walks in the three major gardens and important support for the State Herbarium of South Australia.

A good relationship with the Board, management and staff has been fostered since the Friends group was formed and remains an important element in the organisation’s success.

A wide range of interesting activities are arranged for members including bimonthly general meetings with invited guest speakers, local, interstate and overseas garden tours, special behind the scenes visits to the Botanic Gardens with staff members, and a bimonthly Gazette which is printed and distributed providing an important link for members unable to attend meetings and other functions.

A friendly and informal atmosphere is evident in all the Friends’ activities and everyone is welcome to join and enjoy the company of others with similar interests.

The Friends' Gates and North Lodge

Member Benefits

• Free entry to the Bicentennial Conservatory for tropical plants in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
• Botanical art classes available to members on Saturday afternoons by joining the Botanical Art Group.
• Invitations to special events for the Gardens 150 Birthday Celebrations.
• Four issues of The Friends Gazette each year.
• Bi-monthly evening meetings with varied programs about plants and related subjects of interest to garden lovers.
• Opportunity to participate in the daytime outings, interstate and overseas tours to gardens, conferences and other related events.
• Knowledge that you are supporting the work of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.
• Opportunities to participate in volunteer activities such as FBGA Gazette, mailouts, Craft Group, Botanical Art Group, tours and activities, Garden Guides, Growing Group and Herbarium.
  

For further information visit The Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Website.