Green thumbs and garden fun

By Ewen McRae

The Melton Botanic Garden will be on full display this weekend.

The garden, and the volunteers who look after it, are taking part in the national Botanic Garden Day celebrations, with fun and games for the whole family on May 26.

Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley said it was the fourth year they had taken part, and it has quickly become one of their biggest events.

“We want to encourage people to come down and explore their local botanic garden,” Mr Bentley said.

“It’s one of our most public events that we run. We do tours throughout the year, but this one brings together a number of community groups.

“It’s a great place to relax and enjoy some passive recreation, and also a great place to see some wonderful collections of plants that are suitable for the Melton climate and suitable for suburban homes.”

As well as the beautiful gardens to walk through, the day will feature plant sales, drink stands, the Greater Western Community Band, and children’s art activities.

The Bacchus Marsh Lions Club will also be running guided tours of the garden on a miniature train.

Mr Bentley said encouraging more people to take advantage of the garden was one of the biggest focuses of the day, and they always get a good response from the local community.

“It’s a wonderful experience to get involved at the garden, and everyone always says they feel like they’re contributing to the community and the environment.”

Ewen McRae