Melton Botanic Garden celebrate National Sustainable Living Festival

Friends of Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley is leading a free sustainability tour through the Melton Botanic Garden. (Damjan Janevski) 317778_02

Liam McNally

Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) are hosting a free guided tour as a part of the National Sustainable Living Festival on Sunday, February 12.

The National Sustainable Living Festival runs throughout February, and comprises more than 130 events across the country that are aimed at celebrating and showcasing ideas and actions for sustainability.

For the festival, FMBG are hosting a guided tour of the Melton Botanic Gardens to give people a chance to learn about climate-resistant plants that can tolerate a dry climate and low water requirements.

FBMG president John Bentley said they’ve been running the Sustainable Living Guided Tour for almost a decade.

“We think it’s really important because one of the underlying principles of the Melton Botanic Garden is sustainability,” he said.

“We showcase that through the types of plants that we have, low water use once plants are established, trying to reuse and repurpose materials where we can, sourcing from sustainable organisations, and through our practices at the depot.

On the tour guests will see sustainability principles and re-purposing in practice over a gentle 90 minute walk and see garden beds that mimic conditions in Western Australia, South Australia, Southern Africa, the Mediterranean, California, and Central and South America.

Other highlights include the Dryland Eucalyptus Arboretum, Bush Foods Garden, Sensory Garden, and indigenous plantings along Ryans Creek and beside the lake.

The event will take place from 10am to noon on Sunday, February 12, walkers will meet at Depot 21, Williams Street in Melton.

To book for the free event, contact FMBG president John Bentley

Details: 9743 3819