In 2023 The Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) are celebrating their 20th anniversary, and are inviting more community members to join ahead of National Volunteer Week which begins on May 15.
The Melton Botanic Garden site was provided by council in 2003, at the time it was a raw paddock with Ryans Creek and Toolern Creek forming two of the boundaries.
The garden has a dry climate theme and displays indigenous, native, and exotic plants.
The management, development and maintenance of the garden has been undertaken by volunteer teams and over the years membership has grown to more than 440 strong, with 80 active volunteers.
FMBG president John Bentley joined the group in 2004 when he saw a community notice in the local paper.
“I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for Melton… I loved the concept and idea,” he said.
“Volunteering has been so uplifting for people, mental health, social connections, physical health … It has been a fantastic team of volunteers and people who have assisted the garden, 20 years have flown by.
“The garden has continued to grow and expand and we’re getting very close to using the whole 27 hectares of the space.”
FMBG were recently sent letters from King Charles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Hawke MP Sam Rae congratulating them for their efforts.
“It’s really uplifting to be recognised by those people … we see that as the highest recognition we can get,” Mr Bentley said.
People interested in becoming a member of the gardens should contact FMBG by email or phone.
Details: friends@fmbg.org.au 9743 3819
