THE North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour is awakening from winter and enticing visitors with a riot of spring colour.

“Our resident plants, animals, birds and insects, will welcome you with delightful sounds, smells and colours,” Angela Lownie, Friends of the Botanic Garden, told News Of The Area.

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“Others will enjoy the serenity and hush of this unique bush garden and the lapping water of Coffs Creek.”

Highlighting innovations, Angela said, “The newest garden, opened in late May, is the Botanists Walk, highlighting botanists who contributed to our knowledge of Indigenous plants.

“The new plants have settled in after a mild Coffs winter and are looking splendid in the early warmth of spring.

“In the Botanists Walk we have created a look that is exciting and functional.

“While not totally banishing the traditional bark mulch, Rick and his team have brought in local rock and a variety of gravels that give the new garden a contemporary look.

“The Australian native plants make this interesting design shine.

“The internal fit-out and surrounds of the impressive new Glass House, with its angular steel profile and reflective glass panels, is now in planning for the formal opening early 2022.

“By moving the African garden, the Glass House fits comfortably in its new setting, fronted by an expansive grassy area.

“An interesting challenge will see the iconic Wollemi Pine, presently adjacent to the new building, carefully lifted into its special spot in the forecourt of the beautiful Glass House,” said Angela.

The dedicated band of volunteers are happily back after lockdown, working with Coffs Harbour City Council employees who fill vital professional leadership and maintenance roles in conjunction with the Friends of the Garden Committee.

The volunteers have many roles, from working in the shop to weeding the flower beds, or driving visitors around in the people mover.

Others help in the Friends Nursery potting and propagating plants for use in the Garden and for sale, proceeds of which go back into the Garden.

Another smaller group are Guides with a special interest in leading groups and providing education around the Garden.

New volunteers are welcomed for practical roles and as members of the Friends Committee with elections at the AGM, upcoming on Tuesday 12 October, 2021.

Interested?

Contact Rob or Patsy via the front desk or shop, or by email at coffsbotanicgarden@gmail.com.

By Andrea FERRARI