Events

FOBG would like to thank members for their ongoing support by inviting you to a free members only afternoon tea under the Wisteria Walk.   Join Sugargum table furniture builder Ben Sibley and current and previous Burnley gardens managers, Sascha Andrusiak and Andrew Smith for gardens walks afterwards.   Weather dependent, numbers limited (2 guests per member) and bookings essential.

FOBG is honoured to present our 2026 AGM guest speaker, Richard Barley MBE. Richard has had one of the most distinguished careers in the world of horticulture starting from his early education here at Burnley to becoming Director of Kew Gardens London. In between there has been a lifetime of horticultural experiences including Director of our very own Melbourne Botanic Gardens. Today he continues to provide expertise both internationally and in Australia with numerous botanically linked board trustee positions and as the current Director of Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ). Richard will inform us and reflect on this exceptional journey. It is a talk not to be missed by students and career horticulturists but also those interested in the wider world of horticulture and its place in our increasingly stressed natural world. AGM Committee Nomination Form Both in-person and online (Zoom) options available.

Join Chris for an introductory lecture followed by a hands-on workshop. Hear all about how to Winter prune fruit trees to maximise fruit production, then practice your skills in the Burnley Field Station orchard. Chris will also show you how to produce fruit on espaliered trees. This is a small group workshop, where you will practice under an expert’s watchful eye. Suitable for beginners or as a refresher for experienced pruners.   Morning tea included. Bring clean secateurs, closed toe shoes, rain jacket, hat.

Join FOBG for a visit to the Melbourne University System Garden, founded in 1856, three years before Darwin’s On Origin of  Species  was published. You will be guided by the Curator of the Garden, Virginia McNally, who will explain the concept of a system garden, and show you many of the plants in this beautifully presented and tranquil garden, only accessible during week days. The visit will include both outdoors and internal displays.  On the completion of the tour, you have the opportunity to stroll through the other extensive gardens around the campus and visit one of its many cafes. Enter System Garden at Gate 14 (Tin Alley Royal Parade exit) behind Building 125, per Parkville campus map. You may choose to arrive via the new Metro line Parkville station, avoiding the problem of parking around the University. Tickets limited. Bring walking shoes, drink bottle and rain jacket.  

Plants List for sale   There will be perennials, natives, salvias, produce, bulbs, succulents, shade and indoor plants and more for sale. Payment by cash or card, BYO carry bags and parking available on Yarra Boulevard.   The plant sale is on the same day as the Burnley Gardens Open Day, so make a day of it!

Bishopscourt has been the residence of all the Anglican Bishops and Archbishops of Melbourne since 1853. The house is the oldest in East Melbourne, and the estate is the oldest in the City of Melbourne. The house and garden are both included on the Victorian Heritage Register, with eighteen trees recorded on the citation. The majestic Red River Gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, later known as the “Corroboree Tree”, was estimated by Baron von Müller to have been a sapling in 1549. On arrival, we will be ushered into the house and enjoy morning tea and coffee. Then we will have a tour of the house and the spacious, beautiful garden. Bring walking shoes, drink bottle and rain jacket. Requires 20 tickets sold for the tour to proceed, confirmation on 21 April 2026.