New Zealand
The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2024 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Everybody is welcome to join this initiative!
Botanic gardens and arboreta on both sides of the Tasman are gearing up to celebrate Botanic Gardens Day 2024 on Sunday 26 May.
Botanic Gardens Day, organised by Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) and now in its ninth year, is an annual day of celebration to highlight the role of plants in our lives and the important work botanic gardens and arboreta undertake every day to conserve them for future generations.
The CEO of BGANZ, Cassandra Nichol, states:
With over 140 botanic gardens and arboreta across Australia and New Zealand, the value they provide to our countries is undeniable, yet highly underestimated. Botanic Gardens Day is about showcasing the significant contributions they make to sustaining the very foundation of our lives — plants. They are the protectors of this invaluable resource, but most of us don’t even know it.
This year’s theme is More than a garden…protecting our plants and landscapes. The theme reflects the fact that botanic gardens and arboreta are not only nice places to visit — they also conduct ecological research, safeguard plant diversity through living collections and seed banks and educate and empower communities in environmental sustainability. Botanic gardens are known as vital green spaces of social, cultural and heritage value within communities, but are also increasingly being recognised as the frontline in tackling the biggest challenges facing our future — biodiversity loss, adaptation to a changing climate, food security and pest and disease management.
Check out the events happening over the whole month of May across Australian and New Zealand botanic gardens — and online! — at bganz.org.au.
About Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Ltd. (BGANZ):
Established in 2004, BGANZ, the peak industry body for botanic gardens and arboreta across Australia and New Zealand, represents over 90 botanic gardens and arboreta within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, as well as an additional 60+ organisations and individuals who share our vision — a future where plants are valued and protected, ensuring a greener, healthier and more resilient world for generations to come. We work to unite and strengthen the botanic garden network through advocacy, leadership and professional development, resource and knowledge sharing and raising awareness of their value.
Botanic Gardens Day was launched in 2016 by BGANZ with ABC TV’s Gardening Australia host, and Botanic Gardens Day Australian Ambassador, Costa Georgiadis, and New Zealand Ambassador, Jack Hobbs. On Botanic Gardens Day each year botanic gardens, arboreta and gardens in Australia and New Zealand hold over 120 events, with more than 80,000 members of the public engaged, to celebrate the vital work botanic gardens do for plant conservation.
For interviews, contact Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand CEO, Cassandra Nichols, ceo@bganz.org.au.
Scientists from Scion will speak what fascinates them about plants. Listen to
- The tour inside a tree using a microscope,
- Relationship of trees with insects, and
- Plant cell cultures in laboratory and its potential uses
WEBINARS HOSTED BY COSTA GEORGIADIS
In the lead up to Botanic Gardens Day on 26 May, Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand will hold four online webinars every Thursday evening in May at 7pm–8pm AEST, hosted by Costa Georgiadis, highlighting members and other experts, and their amazing knowledge.
To watch the webinars live, head to Costa’s Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube pages at 7pm AEST (9pm NZST) on the dates below! They will also be recorded so don’t worry if you can’t make it on the night.
2 May: Science Saving Species, with Maurizio Rossetto (Botanic Gardens of Sydney), Emma Simpkins (Auckland Council) and Russell Larke (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria).
9 May: Connecting to Country, with Renate Johnny (Alice Springs Desert Park), Jade Smith and Blake Poletti (Kings Park & Botanic Garden).
16 May: Conservation Beyond the Garden Gate, with Emma Cutting (the Melbourne Pollination Corridor project) and Alex Wall (the VegeMap project).
23 May: The Role of Friends Groups in Botanic Gardens, with Tracey Whitby (President, Friends of Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens), John Bentley (President, Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens) and Viv Canham (President, Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens).
Visit https://www.bganz.org.au/botanic-gardens-day-2024/ for more details.
Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand
Dr Rebecca Harcourt
media@bganz.org.au+61 (0)423 623 360