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2023 Friends’ Raffle Winners

by admin

Raffle winners

Our 2023 Christmas Raffle Results

We are delighted to announce the winners of the Friends’ 2022 Christmas Raffle that was drawn Monday at the Christmas Party at Plant Craft Cottage by Lynsey Poore.   Our congratulations to:

1st PRIZE
Julie King – Ticket Number: #454

2nd PRIZE
Will Jones – Ticket Number: #396

3rd PRIZE
Peter Lilley – Ticket Number: #31

4th PRIZE
Will Jones – Ticket Number: #388

5th PRIZE
Stephen Grover – Ticket Number: #854

6th PRIZE
Angela Munro – Ticket Number: #372

7th PRIZE
Anna Greive – Ticket Number: #831

8th PRIZE
Loris Meadows – Ticket Number: #242

9th PRIZE
Camille Heisler – Ticket Number: #291

10th PRIZE
Jane Geeson – Ticket Number: #562

11th PRIZE
Kathie Sampson – Ticket Number: #592

12th PRIZE
Alice Illingworth – Ticket Number: #5

13th PRIZE
Sue Boekel – Ticket Number: #764

14th PRIZE
K Mcconvil – Ticket Number: #307

15th PRIZE
Margaret Mitchell – Ticket Number: #201

16th PRIZE
Heather Mitchell – Ticket Number: #375

 

2024 Calendars

by FRBGM

Our lovely 2024 Calendars are now available.

In these times when so many of us keep our calendar on the phone, it’s still a pleasure to have a beautiful shared calendar hung on the wall at home.  Our 2024 calendar features stunning botanic illustrations which remind us of the beauty of nature and demonstrate the talent of our wonderful artist community.  The pleasure in turning the page each month to a new illustration is always something to be enjoyed.

Please log in to enjoy a member discount.

PURCHASE

World Migratory Birds Day

by FRBGM

October 14 was World Migratory Birds Day, a day established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the threats facing birds that travel huge distances during their migratory travels.

Migratory birds can clock up amazing statistics such as the Ruppel’s griffon vulture which collided with a plane at 37,000 feet in 1975. Or the black-capped, red-billed Artic tern that can fly more than 49,700 miles in a year. Over its lifespan of 30 years, that can add up to three trips to the moon and back. And not least, a bird that weighs less than an ounce, the Wheatear, travels up to 9,000 miles each way between the Artic and Africa, giving it one of the largest ranges of any songbird.

Most migratory birds travel from north to south according to the seasons, although others travel horizontally, often to milder coastal areas. Migratory birds’ arrival and departure dates have been consistent over the years but global warming is changing their annual rhythm.

One in eight bird species globally is threatened with extinction so the theme for this year is Water; Sustaining Bird Life and again, global warming is affecting water sources and aquatic systems worldwide, impacting migratory and other bird and animal species.

Other threats to migratory birds are invasive, alien species, habitat loss, oil spills, poorly positioned wind turbines and power lines, and plastic pollution.

As a migratory bird fly long distances, involving crossing many land borders between countries with different legal provisions and conventions, we need international co-operation for multilateral environmental agreements to protect migratory birds. At a local level, reducing water pollution, especially plastic, is something we can all do to help reduce threats to migratory birds.

Members of the Friends of the Gardens can join our monthly Birding Group walk to find out more about our amazing birds.

Image credit: Paul Hackett Photography

Spring Plant Sale

by FRBGM

Our plant sales are hugely popular and the next sale is coming up soon on Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October.

Our plants are mainly sourced from the Royal Botanic Gardens and many are not commonly available. We offer plants in the following categories: Australian Natives,  Climbers, Bulbs & Rhizomes, Camellias, Herbs, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Shrubs, Succulents, Trees, Bromeliads, Orchids and Rhododendrons & Vireyas.

Advice is also available at the sale from our members and from RBGV Horticultrual staff who will happily answer questions on the day.

For more information on these and other plants on offer, please refer to our catalogue.

20% discount on the full price is offered to Friends of RBG Melbourne on presentation of your membership card.

You will find the plant sale inside Southern Gate (formerly Known as Gate E), Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Free entry

Catalogue

Trust Fund Appeal

by FRBGM

The vision of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne is of a flourishing and healthy planet, sustained and enriched by plants. The natural environment has never needed our support more than at present. We invite you to donate today to the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Annual Trust Fund Appeal to enable us to continue to support the Gardens and the National Herbarium Melbourne and their important work in conservation, sustainability and preservation and renewal of this world class Gardens. Last year’s appeal raised $50,000, which was a record we would love to attain once again this year. All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.

If you need assistance with your support or would like to know more regarding the Friends or the Trust Fund, please call Suzy Chandler, Office Manager on 96506398.

Donate today

FRIENDS’ 40th ANNIVERSARY GIN

by FRBGM

FRIENDS' 40th ANNIVERSARY GIN

As the Friends head into the final months of our 40th anniversary, we have reflected on our history and have discovered many reasons to raise our glasses in good cheer.  In order to mark this milestone, we have partnered with Big Tree Gin Distillery to create our very own commemorative grapefruit, olive leaf and rosemary flavoured gin, presented in stunning etched glass bottles designed and painted by our botanic art teacher David Reynolds, harkening to the paintings of the Friends’ botanical illustrators. 

The gin makes a perfect gift for your gin loving friends.   And the bottle makes a beautiful display or vase after the gin has been enjoyed. 


Autumn Plant Sale

by FRBGM
Autumn Plant Sale

Saturday 29 April, 10am to 4pm

Sunday 30 April, 10am to 3pm

Our plants are mainly sourced from the Royal Botanic Gardens and many are not commonly available. We offer plants in the following categories: Australian Natives,  Climbers, Bulbs & Rhizomes, Camellias, Herbs, Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Shrubs , Succulents, Trees, Bromeliads, Orchids and Rhododendrons & Vireyas.

Advice is also available at the sale from our members and from RBGV Horticultrual staff who will happily answer questions on the day.

20% discount on the full price is offered to Friends of RBG Melbourne on production of your membership card.

Inside Southern Gate (formerly Known as Gate E)

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Free entry

Plant Sale Catalogue

For more information on these and other plants on offer have a look to our catalogue.

Plant sale catalogue

Christmas Raffle Winners

by FRBGM

Raffle winners

Our 2022 Christmas Raffle Results

We are delighted to announce the winners of the Friends’ 2022 Christmas Raffle that was drawn Monday at the Christmas Party at Plant Craft Cottage by Lynsey Poore.   Our congratulations to:

Botanica World Discoveries 6-Day Canberra Floriade & NSW Gardens Tour
Valued at $5,990 and kindly donated by Botanica World Discoveries
Claire Hill
Ticket Number: #224

Friends’ Council Mixed Wines
Kindly donated by the Friends’ Council members
Yvonne Griffiths
Ticket Number: #130

Friends’ Gin Hamper
Kindly donated by the Friends’ Council members
John Steven
Ticket Number: #589

Framed ‘Yellow Robins’ by Di Koenders
Kindly donated by a generous donor
Claire Horton
Ticket Number: #14

Framed ‘Corymbia citriodora’ by Alwynne Fairweather
Kindly donated by a generous donor
Monika Strasser
Ticket Number: #1

Elizabeth Bradley Embroidery kit ‘Staghorn’
Kindly donated by the Trinca family
Georgina Ponce de Leon
Ticket Number: #573

Gardens Book Pack #1
Kindly donated by the Steven family
Jenny Brown
Ticket Number: #375

Witchery Wheat Raffia Tote Bag
Kindly donated by a generous donor
Deb & Barry Collett
Ticket Number: #390

Puzzle Pack
Valued at $130 and donated by generous donors
Marzena Walicka
Ticket Number: #550

Gardens Book Pack #2
Kindly donated by generous donors
Mrs Hughes
Ticket Number: #206

Gardening Goodness Hamper
Kindly donated by the Steven family
Catherine Trinca
Ticket Number: #184

Gardens Book Pack #3
Kindly donated by a generous donor
Catriona Prictor
Ticket Number: #424

Provincial Home Living Mudan Green Plate
Kindly donated by a generous donor
Deb & Barry Collett
Ticket Number: #385

The Acacia Project book and tea towel pack
Kindly donated by the Friends’ Office
Ivanka Canet
Ticket Number: #540

Heartfelt thanks from the Friends for everyone’s support of the Raffle. We are so appreciative and grateful to everyone who purchased tickets or donated prizes. Our community’s collective generosity raised a fantastic total of just under $5,000.

We are indebted to our major Sponsor, Botanica World Discoveries, for their generous donation of First Prize. We are hoping to offer our members the chance to enjoy some wonderful garden tours next year, run by Botanica. Our 2018 Singapore Gardens Tour was a fabulous highlight for those that joined in. We can’t wait to bring you irresistible gardening adventures with Botanica once again. Watch this space!!

TABI RAFFLE WINNERS

by FRBGM

2022 TABI RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS

  1. Sin Eater Potion Black Bag and scarf

Deb C, Brighton

  1. Matilda Restaurant Dining Voucher

Susan D, East Melbourne

  1. Framed print, Simon Deere

Ellen W, South Yarra

  1. Mecca ‘Kit’ Hamper

Rhonda L, Knoxfield

  1. Cruden Farm Voucher and Botanical Books

Robyn L, Anglesea

  1. Angus and Celeste Plates

Katya F, Caulfield

  1. Botanical illustration books

Linda C, Prahran

  1. 40th Anniversary Gin Hamper

Kay M, Rosanna

  1. Unframed print, Dianne Emery

Meryl P, Richmond

  1. Unframed Japanese prints x 5

Jenny B

  1. RBGV Melbourne Shop and Sharmill Films latest release

Ingrid M, Mont Albert   

  1. Flowers Vasette Voucher

Anne S, Camberwell

  1. Anthurium pot plant

Sandy Q, Brighton