A turf maze has been carved into the grassy area adjacent to the glasshouses.
Children enjoy the Nature Trail to the left of the track where animals are frequently to be seen. An outdoors classroom has been built in the first section of the track.
A new sundial has been built in the sensory garden. Stand with your arm upraised to create the shadow which indicates the time.
On the first Sunday in May, Children’s Day is celebrated in the grassy area near China and Japan. Japanese Koinobori kites fly over the lake, and there are many activities specifically for children, and performances by Japanese entertainers. This is a particularly colourful and happy day. In 2010 there were over 4000 visitors to Kite Day.
The Garden Cafe is to the left of the main entrance. Fully shielded from the weather, and warmed in winter, it is an ideal spot for lunch or a cup of excellent coffee.
It is currently open three days a week: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1030 am. onwards.
Light snacks, sandwiches, delicious cakes, raisin bread, coffees and teas are available. In winter home made soups and crusty bread are a real treat
The Cafe is staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds go towards maintenance and growth of our beautiful Garden.
Catering is available, but the volunteers need prior notice for this.
There are approximately five kilometres of unobtrusive paved or gravel walking tracks and boardwalks that provide easy access to observe the flora and fauna communities.
Please do not pick or otherwise damage these plants on the walks as it will spoil the walk for others.
A Botanic Garden enables the community to understand more about plants, where and how they grow, and the importance of plants in our environment and way of life.
We encourage school groups to visit the Garden, and there is a small outdoor schoolroom on the nature trail. Schools may contact our Education Officer and for larger groups Guides may be requested to take school groups to certain areas of the Garden. The Friends believe very strongly that children should be encouraged to respect and care for flora and fauna, and we try to make learning interesting to foster an interest in all living things.
Sue McEntyre is the education officer at the Garden and can be contacted at 66484896 or leave a message on 66484861.
For further information call (02) 66484188
