Botanic Gardens to be upgraded

Published on 04 February 2021

Upgrades are on the way for Horsham Botanical Gardens after Horsham Rural City Council secured Victorian Government funding.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said $78,000 from the Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens Grants Program plus Council contributions would be spent on educational signage in the gardens and the sealing of the major pathways.

Council plans to seal up to 190 lineal metres of the main walking path. 

Currently made with quarry dust, it is the central thoroughfare used by visitors and also provides important access for vehicles used by staff undertaking necessary daily maintenance.

“A sealed main pathway will provide for comfortable all weather access to the adjacent areas of the path, in particularly those that are frequently used for social gatherings such as the barbecue and playground area,” Cr Gulline said.

“A high percentage of visitors to the gardens are parents with young children in prams. There are also a number of visitors that use mobility scooters or walking aids. This project will provide better and safer access for them.”

Meanwhile up to 40 garden beds will benefit from new educational display boards.

“Horsham Botanic Gardens displays more than 50 individually themed garden beds showcasing plants from many different parts of the world. Although many of the plants are individually labelled, only a small proportion of the beds have educational display boards,” Cr Gulline said.

“The new signs will be informative and supported by individual plant labels. They will be aesthetically pleasing and greatly expand the educative benefits of the Botanic Gardens, providing visitors with access to up-to-date information about rare botanic collections.”

The procurement of the signs and sign holders will be by a competitive tender process, with several experienced local companies expected to tender for the works.