Local volunteers dig in at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 17, 2023 Lorraine Zion and Helen Howard, volunteers at the Hunter Region Botanic Garden. THE Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is an amazing organisation powered by volunteers. The 130 hectare site includes 30 hectares of gardens which are all groomed to perfection by volunteers that aren’t afraid to dig in to get the gardens looking immaculate. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au 100 hectares on the site is bushland where the natural assets of the region are retained. Volunteer Jeannie Lawson of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens told News Of The Area, “The bottom line is we can’t run without volunteers.” There are over 200 volunteers that come into the gardens to perform tasks ranging from propagation and maintenance of the gardens to servicing equipment and organising events. What each volunteer actually does relates to their area of interests and what they want to do. “There are a lot of social activities for the volunteers including a chat over morning tea,” Jeannie said. Volunteering at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is a perfect fit for people who love gardening and wish to explore their passion for plants. “We hold events for Mother’s Day, an autumn fair, bush tucker days and special children’s days like the teddy bears picnic,” Jeannie said. The Gardens also feature specialised workshops and guided walks like the Gundabooka Aboriginal Walk. “The orchid house is an amazing space as well.” The gardens has many long term volunteers, some of whom have been contributing for more than 20 years. The gardens receive no government funding and rely heavily on corporate sponsorship and grants. There is a small entry fee of $5 and a cafe where profits go back into the garden. The Gardens also sell plants. The University of Newcastle is collaborating with the Gardens on research which has seen nesting boxes installed to assist local wildlife. If you are interested in digging into the world of volunteering and you love gardening, perhaps the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is the place for you. By Marian SAMPSON Volunteer Helen Howard. Volunteers get their hands dirty as they dig down and lay pavers.
