After 30 years at Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, the Australian Plants Society (APS) – Wilson Park Berwick has made the decision to switch its base to Cardinia.
The new APS- Cardinia Group hopes to sprout new life for the group, after an ageing membership and Covid-19 setbacks made it clear the Berwick group would not survive unless changes were implemented.
After examining their options, the committee decided to relocate to Deep Creek Reserve.
The Australian Plants Society (APS) aims to promote interest in growing, propagating and displaying Australian plants in home gardens and public places.
Members have a range of interests from serious propagators and growers through to hobby gardeners.
Some members create gardens to encourage wildlife while others have interests in specific groups of plants like Eucalypts, Banksias, Orchids and Daisies.
The APS – Cardinia Group is supported by APS Victoria, the Cardinia Shire and the Cardinia Environment Coalition (CEC) which operates an Indigenous plant nursery and STEM environment education classes at Deep Creek Reserve.
The APS – Cardinia Group will hold monthly meetings with speakers covering subjects connected to Australian flora and fauna.
The launch event will take place on Saturday 28th May at 2pm in the Deep Creek Reserve auditorium, 62 Cameron Way, Pakenham.
Introductions will be made by APS – Victoria president Chris Clarke and vice president Miriam Ford.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne manager of horticulture John Arnott will be the keynote speaker.
Mr Arnott worked at the Melbourne Zoo for more than 20 years, undertaking a range of technical and curatorial roles.
He joined the team at the Geelong Botanic Gardens in 2000 and played a key role in the delivery of 21st Century Garden project which was the catalyst for the rejuvenation of the gardens.
John has been with the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne since 2008.
Members will have a display of plants from their gardens and a range of APS books will be available to purchase.
Afternoon tea will be served and guests will have the opportunity to meet the speakers and members.
Community members can join APS-Cardinia Group on the day or pick up a membership application form.
