Myrtle rust (Uredo rangelii) is a serious fungal disease affecting the plant family Myrtaceae, which includes many Australian natives commonly found in Victorian gardens and parklands.

Myrtle rust is widespread on the eastern seaboard of New South Wales (NSW) and in south-east Queensland, on over 150 properties and 150 Myrtaceae species of plants. Locations range from commercial plant nurseries, public gardens, parks and streetscapes to large areas of bushland. Under the right conditions, myrtle rust may slow regeneration of native forests after harvesting or bushfire and could, in extreme circumstances, change forest biodiversity.

On 6 January 2012, Department of Primary Industries Victoria (DPI Victoria) confirmed that Myrtle Rust had been found in Victoria and within 100 kilometres of both Melbourne and Cranbourne sites of the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG).

What is the RBG doing?

The RBG is continuing to implement its Myrtle Rust Protocol to protect both the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites from the threat of the plant disease Myrtle Rust.

With the confirmation that Myrtle Rust had been found in Victoria, the RBG implemented an additional range of stringent preventative measures to do everything practicable in protecting the gardens.

The RBG is an active partner in working to support DPI Victoria to contain the spread of the disease in Victoria. The RBG Myrtle Rust Working Group has been instrumental in assisting key partners, including other botanic gardens around the state, to develop management strategies that will help restrict the spread of the disease and minimise its impact.

How does this impact on the Friends activities?

Please do not remove or bring plant material into the Gardens.

While DPI is still trying to contain the spread of Myrtle Rust in Victoria the RBG is controlling the movement of plants and plant materials through our sites. This has a number of significant impacts on RBG operations and it also has a number of impacts on Friends activities. For example, this means that Botanical Illustrators and the Basketry Group are not able to bring plant material on site or take it home. Once DPI move to ‘Management Phase’, which means that Myrtle Rust has not been contained in Victoria, some of these restrictions will be removed and the Friends will be advised of that change.

If you think you may have Myrtle Rust on your plants, then reports of suspected myrtle rust can be made by calling DPI Victoria on 1800 084 881, or by emailing photos of the suspect material, together with a contact phone number and the plant’s location, to plant.protection@dpi.vic.gov.au.

To avoid spreading the disease, do not touch, move or collect samples of the suspect plant.
Links and further information Further information about myrtle rust can be found on the DPI Victoria website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au.

Kick start the New Year by bringing your own brunch to a gathering under the forest of pleached Ficus macrocarpa var. hillii near the Exhibition Gardens from 10am! In case you forget to bring your own, the new Kiosk will be open and serving drinks and snacks.

Please remember to dress according to Melbourne’s variable weather. Although there is seating beneath the figs you may wish to bring your own comfortable picnic chair. If so inclined, you will have an opportunity to explore the Australian Garden in its entirety.

Please let us know whether you are coming (via the Booking Form). New members, we especially look forward to seeing you there.

When:
Sunday 10 February
10am

Where:
Australian Garden
Under the Hills weeping fig forest

Cost:
Free of charge event

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Margaret Clarke on 0419 349 492
Booking Form (Word - 83 kb)

Stage 2 of the Australian Garden completes the story of water from the inland to the coast. On this discovery day, we will find out where the water comes from, how it is collected, purified and recycled. Currently town water is used in the irrigation system as there is ample water, but planning is in place for drought periods. Learn about the alternative sources of water in the future. This will definitely be a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour with experts to guide us and answer our questions.

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Be aware that this tour will be subject to cancellation should there be a Total Fire Ban. An email address and/or phone number will be essential when making your booking.

When:
Monday 18 February
10.30am–3.30pm

Where:
Australian Garden
Meet at the Visitor Centre

Cost:
$15 members
$20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Richard Clarke on 0418 148 792
Booking Form (Word - 83 kb)

This a really marvellous opportunity for people to learn more about that somewhat mysterious stage of development on Earth known as Gondwana, which occurred while dinosaurs and their relatives were around and when the climate, as well as the vegetation, went through some dramatic and startling changes. We will also explore beyond Gondwana, with a special emphasis on weird and wonderful Australian plants.

Dr David Cantrill, Chief Botanist and Director National Herbarium of Victoria at the RBG, who is renowned worldwide for his study of fossils of the Antarctic vegetation, will present an overview of Gondwana.

Trevor Edwards from La Trobe University will be comparing South African flora with Australian flora and will reveal some fascinating aspects on these very rich floras.

John Arnott and Warren Worboys, respectively Manager, Horticulture and Curator, Horticulture at RBG Cranbourne, will lead us around the recently completed Gondwana and Weird & Wonderful gardens.

Luke Saffigna, Visitor Programs Officer, RBG Cranbourne, who compiled the Gondwana Garden Interpretations information will also accompany John and Warren.

Friends RBGC member John Thompson is a regular and very popular presenter at our workshops where he explores how plants are used in a myriad of ways. There will also be the opportunity to propagate some of the plants that are discussed on the day.

This star-studded cast really warrants your attendance!

When:
Sunday 24 February
9.00am–3.30pm

Morning refreshments will be available from 9am. At 9.30 the workshop will start. BYO lunch for a picnic in the Australian Garden, or you can purchase lunch from the Boon Wurrung Café—you’ll need to place your order before 9.30am. 

Where:
Auditorium
Visitor Centre 

Cost:
$60 members
$75 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Rodger Elliot on 9879 1427
Booking Form (Word - 83 kb)

Invitation to Special exhibition of Fabrics, Crafts

This event is being organised by the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Botanical Fabricators. Fabrics featured will include the ‘Under the Australian Sun’ range designed by Leesa Chandler.

A major highlight will be a display of award winning quilts by leading Australian textile artists such as Eileen Campbell, Gloria Loughman and Mariya Waters.

Lots to see and many items for sale. Everyone is welcome and entry is free.

When:
Saturday 2 – Monday 11 March
10am – 4pm

Where:
Auditorium
Visitor Centre 

Cost:
Entry is free

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Gwen Elliot 9879 1427
Booking Form (Word - 83 kb)

Choose from a large selection of plants for sale including many of the most frequently admired and requested species from the Australian Garden.

Presented by the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne group, Growing Friends. 

When:
Friends Members and Staff
Pre-sale Sale Wednesday 20 March
10.00am – 2.30pm

General Sale
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 March  
10.00am – 4.00pm

Where:
Australian Garden, RBG Cranbourne

Cost:
Free entry
Plant prices vary

15% discount for Members applies. Cash or Cheque only

Bookings/enquiries:
Bookings not required.
Tel: (03) 5990 2245 for more information.

This summer has shown vividly that the threat of bushfire is ever present in our part of the world. There is an ever-growing awareness of the need to undertake plantings that are likely to restrict the spread of fire around our homes and other buildings. Friends’ members will have an excellent opportunity to gain further insight in this area at this presentation.

CFA vegetation manager Owen Gooding says there are fantastic design opportunities in establishing ‘fire-smart gardens’. ‘They can be really beautiful and that runs counter to what people might think, which is “little vegetation, maybe lots of concrete”’, he says.

Landscaping for Bushfire Guide, a 64-page text was launched in December 2011 and was highlighted at the 2012 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This publication looks at how plant arrangement and selection can reduce the bushfire risk to any house. Owen was the Contributing Editor of this ground-breaking publication.

John Rayner, a senior lecturer in urban horticulture at the University of Melbourne and a contributor to the CFA's guide, says personal aesthetics and preferences are an important aspect of designing for bushfire, and these need to be balanced with fire ecology.

Owen Gooding will present this program at the Australian Garden. It will start with a lecture and be followed by an on-site inspection and discussion of plantings in the Australian Garden with their relevance to bushfire risk. Morning refreshments will be available from 9.30am. At 10.00am we will start the workshop sessions.

When:
Sunday 21 April
9.30am-12.30pm

Where:
Australian Garden Auditorium
Australian Garden Visitor Centre RBGC

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Rodger Elliot on 9879 1427. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

Join senior staff members for an Australian Garden tour that focuses on horticultural research at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. We will explore some ‘cutting edge’ developments that are being harnessed in the Research Plots, the Cultivar Garden and Howson Hill. The tour will be led by Indra Kurzeme (Manager, Public Programs), Megan Hirst (Seed Bank Officer and PhD researcher) and Jill Burness (Landscape Planner).

You will hear about the design process and the plants that are located in these three distinct and complementary spaces, including a lovely story about the ‘unique Nuytsia floribunda (Western Australian Christmas Tree) on Howson Hill.

As a special treat, you will hear about the research projects undertaken by Indra Kurzeme and Megan Hirst. Indra has been responsible for research into the propagation of the native grass, Hemarthria uncinata. This grass species is indigenous to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and is being cultivated as a native lawn at the Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct. We hope that it will be a suitable replacement for kikuyu, in the near future. Indra’s work has been pivotal to the establishment of this ground-breaking initiative.

Meg Hirst has collected daisies from all over Australia: from the alpine areas to the deserts and to the coast. She is testing the impact of climate change by controlling the temperature of the growing medium. This is a complex and detailed study, but you will find Meg has an amusing and engaging personality, as she explains the progress of her PhD work.

After the tour, you may wish to enjoy some lunch at the Boon Wurrung Café, or take a stroll through the bushland. Bring the family, and have a day at the Gardens.

When:
Monday, 29 April
10.00am–12.00pm

Where:
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Meet at the Visitor Centre Reception

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
Bookings open Monday 4 March.

The Annual Dinner this year has morphed into a Luncheon!  Saturday 4 May will see a gathering of 90 or so Friends in the beautifully situated Tarnuk Room, in the Australian Garden, so book early to make sure you get a seat!

Our guest speaker is Dr Graham Worboys (brother of Warren!) who will speak on ‘World Heritage Marvels’.

Graeme Worboys is a protected area management specialist, and is Vice Chair (Mountains & Connectivity Conservation) for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

He has been invited by IUCN to lead evaluations of natural World Heritage nominations in South Africa, China, Italy and India; he has undertaken a UNESCO pre-World Heritage in danger assessment in South Africa and has provided advice to the Vietnamese Government on the management of the World Heritage Karst Property at Phong Kna-Ke Bang National Park.

Graeme's expertise for World Heritage assessments is based on 40 years of national park management experience at operational and policy levels, his international park management work as IUCN Vice Chair, and his PhD research in protected area management effectiveness evaluation. He is joint author/editor of the acclaimed 2006 Earthscan and IUCN compendium text, Managing Protected Areas: A Global Guide, and his newest IUCN book, Connectivity Conservation Management: A Global Guide, was published by Earthscan

Silent auction

Each year, the silent auction raises funds to assist the work of the Friends, and the variety of items, donated by members and supporters, always creates great interest. Most popular have been the items in the $10–$100 range, although more expensive items have also attracted interest. If you would like to donate items (preferably related to botanical themes) for the auction, please contact Bev Roberts on 0408 378 615 or 9391 3393 or any of the committee members.

When:
Saturday 4 May

Where:
Tarnuk Room
RBG Cranbourne

Cost:
$65

Bookings/enquiries:
Please contact Bev Roberts on 0408 378 615 or 9391 3393 with queries. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

We are very fortunate in being able to visit the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary which is renowned for its facilities and provides an indigenous natural environment for conservation, education and research activities that support the learning and teaching objectives of La Trobe University. The La Trobe Sanctuary also operates an indigenous plant nursery, providing floristic diversity and nesting boxes to the local community and ensuring biodiversity of the reserves managed by La Trobe University.

The tour of the wildlife sanctuary runs for 1.5 hours and covers topics such as the history of the site, plans for the future and general information on the habitat, flora and fauna of the sanctuary. We will explore some of the plantings, which in many areas are now well established since the founding of the University in 1967, and we are also planning to visit their plant nursery.

We will be exploring the campus plantings after lunch.

Attendees will receive information on parking etc a few days before the event.

BYO morning refreshments and lunch. At 10.00 am we will gather for morning drinks before starting of the tour at 10.30am.

When:
Tuesday 7 May
10.00am–3.00pm (approx.)

Where:
La Trobe University

Cost:
$20 members $25 for non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Rodger Elliot on 9879 1427. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

The Cranbourne Bushland is very special … but, when was the last time you took a walk to Trig Point Lookout and wandered along some of the bush tracks? This is a marvellous opportunity to re-discover the special qualities that makes this bushland an area of State conservation significance. Learn about

• the status of the Southern Brown bandicoot
• the control and monitoring of foxes
• the development of fauna gates (cutting-edge improvisation at RBGC)
• the transitory movement of the key bird species and the experimental eradication of Indian minors, and
• fire management of the bushland using mosaic burn patterns.

We will start at the Visitor Centre and walk to Trig Point Lookout—a great spot for an overview. After visiting Perched Swamp and walking into the Arboretum (started in the 1980s), we will have a picnic lunch beside Wylies Creek. After lunch, we will walk along the creek line to see the lakes that were constructed in 1996-97, and then take a deviation into the Grassy Woodland—on the western side of the RBGC. We want to show you the wombat gates and the turtle gates (they are not flash, but they are very interesting). Throughout this walk, you will see at least 4 separate habitat zones. It is this variety of indigenous vegetation that accounts for the rich biodiversity of the Cranbourne bushland.

We will spend 3½ - 4 hours of walking, so please wear sensible footwear and remember to dress for Melbourne’s variable weather. Bring your lunch, thermos/water bottle & a waterproof ‘something’ to sit on the grass. Perhaps your binoculars !

When:
Saturday, 18 May
10.30am–3.00pm

Where:
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Meet at the Visitor Centre Reception

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
If you have any queries please contact Jill Burness on 0402 477 590. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

On this tour, we will start by reviewing the exhibition gardens in the southern portion of the Australian Garden. These gardens are now about 7 years old, and are starting to show some maturity. We have learnt valuable lessons from these gardens – and it is good to be able to share this knowledge. During this time, these gardens have been changed or adapted in subtle ways.
Stage 2 of the Australian Garden introduces a range of new exhibition gardens that again focus on the home gardener, but with a concentration of the horticultural demands of inner city gardens. We will discuss the design process that created these newer gardens, and the key themes that have been developed.

During this tour, we can show you the plans that were prepared by Taylor Cullity Lethlean, and the planting plans by Paul Thompson. You can see the development of the ideas from their first formulation to their realisation on-the-ground.

The numbers for this tour will be restricted to 25 people - so if you are interested, please book early.

When:
Monday, 27 May
10.00am–12.00pm

Where:
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Meet at the Visitor Centre Reception

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information, contact Jill Burness on 0402 477 590. Bookings open Monday 4 March. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

This is a really wonderful opportunity for people to learn about a marvellous genus in the protea family which is sometimes regarded as a poor relative of the very popular grevillea genus.

Why is hakea different from grevillea? Hakea flowers seem to be identical to those of grevillea—what gives? Where do hakeas occur in Australia? Why are hakeas generally easier to cultivate than banksias and dryandras? If you come to this workshop you will gain some special inside information as well as answers to the above questions.

One of our regular and popular presenters at Friends workshops is Neville Walsh, Senior Conservation Botanist from the National Herbarium at RBG Melbourne. He will guide us through things botanical relating to hakea. Friends RBGC member John Thompson is also a regular at our workshops and he will explore how plants are utilised in a myriad of ways. A newcomer is Royce Raleigh, an experienced grower of Hakea and many other Australian plants who is also Leader of the Australian Plants Society Hakea Study group. He will concentrate on cultivation. Maja Zweck who is a professional grafting practitioner will provide an introduction to grafting of hakeas. As is usual with workshops we will have a wander in the Australian Garden looking at hakeas and have a hands-on propagation session.

Morning refreshments will be available from 9.00am. At 9.30am we will start the workshop sessions.

BYO Lunch for a picnic in the Australian Garden or you can purchase lunch from the Boon Wurrung Café with orders needing to be made before 9.30 am along with a request that they be available for pickup at 1pm.

When:
Sunday 23 June
9.00 am–3.30 pm

Where:
Australian Garden Auditorium
Australian Garden Visitor Centre RBGC

Cost:
$60 members $75 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
For further information contact Rodger Elliot on 9879 1427. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

Williamstown was one of the first settlements in Melbourne and has a fascinating history. In recent years Hobsons Bay City Council has been undertaking works to preserve this legacy.

Of particular interest for us is the restoration work carried out in the Botanic Gardens and the waterfront along The Esplanade. In the Botanic Gardens we will learn about its history, follow the 2000 Master Plan actions and hear about the new Master Plan which will take the Gardens forward for the next 10 years. Our BYO sandwich lunch will be enjoyed in the southern section of the Gardens, Parker Reserve Pinetum.

After lunch we will take a short walk across the road to the foreshore where our very own Jill Burness will share with us some of her memories from an earlier life when she worked in the Western Region Commission, and was a part of the team that prepared a Master Plan for the Williamstown foreshore. She will point out to us the location of the former sea baths (both a formal and an informal version). She will talk about the upgrading of the foreshore reserves and the upgrading of the beach pavilion. For example, the original architect designed these former change rooms to look like a ship.

Car pooling is highly recommended, so when booking please advise of your willingness to either take passengers or be a passenger with someone else.

Morning tea, hot water, mugs and tea and coffee makings will be provided. BYO sandwich and thermos lunch, picnic chair and wear walking shoes.

When:
Tuesday 4 June
10.30am – 3.00pm

Where:
Meet at the Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Melway 56 C10

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
Further information: Helen Page 9817 2003 or 0418 546 97 or email <helenpage@bigpond.com>. Bookings open Monday 4 March.

We have appointed Pegasus Coach Tours to undertake an 8-day tour of the NSW mid-north coast for the Friends RBGC in spring 2013. We will need at least 30 participants for this tour to eventuate.

When:
Tuesday 27 August –Tuesday 3 September 2013

The itinerary
The itinerary includes visits to botanic gardens, wetlands, bush areas including national parks with marvellous plants, wonderful coastal areas, mountains and waterfalls, an Australian orchid spectacular and much more.

Janet Watson, who lives in Port Macquarie and has many local contacts, knows the region well and we are very pleased to have her assisting in the tour. Janet worked as a Ranger at RBG Cranbourne and for a time was Secretary of the Friends of RBGC.

The tour will depart from Newcastle on the morning of Tuesday 27 August and end in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday 3 September. Participants will be required to organise their own transport to Newcastle (to arrive by the evening of Monday 26 August, ready for pick-up early next day) and from Coffs Harbour (departure from mid-afternoon of Tuesday 3 September).

Cost:
The cost of the tour is $1400 per person (twin share). The price covers all accommodation (3–4 star motels), transport and most meals, and includes a fundraising levy of $230 (with at least $200 used for projects at RBG Cranbourne and the balance used for tour planning and operational costs incurred by Friends RBGC).

Bookings/enquiries:
An itinerary (which is subject to change) and Tour Booking Form are available by contacting Rodger Elliot rgelliot@optusnet.com.au. The Tour Booking Form accompanied by a $100 deposit must be lodged with Pegasus Coach Tours by 30 April 2013.

Lord Howe Island

Autumn 2015

We are seeking expressions of interest from members who would like to participate in a 7-night stay on this magnificent World Heritage island. Lord Howe Island must be experienced to be believed. The plant life is extraordinary, while the birds and marine life are equally fascinating. Most people who visit the island plan to revisit and many do. It is a remarkably varied island with a range of simple and non-taxing walks, as well some severely taxing hikes, such as climbing Mt Gower.

We are exploring the possibility of staying in motel-style units that have catering facilities. Evening meals are available in a number of restaurants.

At this stage we are not in a position to provide a price, as they have not been set for 2015. If you and some of your friends would be interested in a tour to Lord Howe Island, please register this interest on the Booking Form.

—Rodger Elliot

Southern Africa

Spring 2016

It’s early days, but we would love to know if you would be interested in a tour to explore the natural landscapes and gardens of Southern Africa. Although this would not take place until the spring of 2016, we would like to know whether it would appeal, before we get further down the track of planning for it. 

The tour could include a visit to a Game Park (or this could be an optional extra). Another inclusion could be Victoria Falls. Tour charges currently are estimated at about $8000+ for twin share for 13 nights.

Contact Margaret Clarke at <margaret@theclarkes.biz> if you would be interested in this tour.

—Margaret Clarke