Achievements

2021

WBG Report for AGM
Hard to believe we are at this point again!!!!!!!! It is with great pleasure I write on behalf of the WBG team and provide a snap shot into the year that was.
Team rotation continues with 16 week blocks of time being completed by Rhonda, Bridget and Jason. All 3 have contributed significantly to the way WBG looks and their enthusiasm and attention to detail is greatly appreciated.
Shrub bed infill planting continues which is generating some exciting botanical diversity within the beds.
Mulching of our specimen trees continues as does the new addition of some bulbs under the more mature trees to add some colour and interest during winter.
Thanks to the generous support of the FOWBG tree labelling has commenced with approximately 95 trees/palms labelled. Feedback has been very positive from visitors who are enjoying the new labels.
The Nature Based Play Space (NBPS) continues to be a crowd pleaser, who would of thought, with excellent usage during the week and as you’d expect maximum capacity on the weekend.
West of the NBPS is a small lawn area that has been used by visitors having picnics and birthday parties in conjunction with use of the NBPS. This activation of a previously unused area has resulted in a new garden bed being created along the inside of Botanic Rd boundary fence to provide some selective screening from the road.
Again many thanks to the FOWBG for purchasing $900 worth of plants for the creation of this new garden bed.
The Pinetum continues to develop as the trees become more mature and create a sense of place within this area. Additional plantings are proposed within this area to ensure we have a mixed age of trees to manage into the future.
The well precinct continues to be very popular, with many visitors fascinated with the history of the well. The use of the strip lighting to illuminate the internal intricacies and to show the depth of the well is also proving very popular. The garden around the well has developed nicely and in time will soften this area.
I’m sure there is much much more I could mention but I’m mindful of waffling on.
Many thanks to the FOWBG for their continued support of both WBG and the WBG team.
Also the WCC Tree Team of Paul, Mick and Doug do a mountain of work in WBG and this needs to be acknowledged – thanks lads
On behalf of the WBG Team
John Sheely

2020

Hard to believe that I’m again reporting on another year with this being my 14th year involved with WBG and the FOWBG.

Days blend into weeks and weeks blend into months so it’s refreshing to take some time to reflect and celebrate the achievements of the WBG team.

Irrigation continues to be upgraded with the northern lawn the last area to be automated.

Now it is a matter of picking the gaps and being strategic where we are lacking water.

The automated irrigation has made a significant difference to the quality of plants we are able to display and also a huge reduction in labour costs.

This past year we have instigated staff rotation through WBG which has enabled a reinvigorating of myself and brought a new level of enthusiasm to WBG.

Currently 3 staff are participating in the rotation program.

A new initiative that we have developed is a plant of the week profile where a team member picks a plant from within WBG and does an A4 profile on it and presents it to the rest of the team during our weekly formal catch ups.

We continue to develop the shrub beds with newplantings added to further develop our botanical diversity and strengthen our position as a leading regional botanic garden.

Although the Nature Based Play Space is a FOWBG project

the WBG have been involved in various stages of the build. This has been a great opportunity for the team to develop new skills and also develop a sense of ownership to an asset that we will maintain.

During this project I have had the opportunity to work closely with Neil McLeod who has been the Project Manager on behalf of the FOWBG. Neil has done a stellar job in keeping things moving and liaising between Paula Gardener, Garry Drake and myself.

An upgrade to the eastern path has been undertaken where recycled plastic and timber has been used to create a ‘floating’ path. This innovative approach was achievable by a State Government grant and it is hoped to further replicate this in an attempt to better manage paths, trees and roots.

The FOWBG well project has almost been completed with just a few minor finishing touches to be done. The well is now accessible to the public and by all reports is viewed as an exceptional addition to WBG. Congratulations to the FOWBG who have worked tirelessly on this project.

I’m sure I have missed some other updates but I wanted to personally thank the FOWBG for their continued support of the WBG team and the continued support of the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens as a significant heritage landscape.

On behalf of the WBG team

John Sheely

2019

John has been travelling to botanic gardens around the world. He has also undertaken voluntary work entailing 2 weeks in the arboretum & 2 weeks in general horticulture at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew with Richard Barley, Director of Horticulture, Learning & Operations.
Kew has offed a variety of horticultural and arboriculture experiences that are relevant and valuable for work in Warrnambool.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a 330 acre UNESCO World Heritage site, with the world's largest and most diverse collections of living plants.
Richard comments in his correspondence that he is sure John will enjoy and learn from his time at Kew, and Richard will be very pleased to continue to build a strong relationship with Australia's botanic garden colleagues.

Prior to John's time at Kew he has traveled through gardens in Barcelona, Netherlands and Germany with Trevor Bullen

2017

We are in cutting back mode within most of the shrub and display beds.

Fertilising of the shrub beds and lawns is also being undertaken to replenish them after a spring/summer.

Unfortunately, a large Dutch Elm located north of the rotunda was removed due to extensive branch failure over a 2-month period. Retention of the tree was not possible given the extent of the branch failure, which left the tree very asymmetrical and exposed.

An independent arborist was engaged to ensure all possible options were explored before removal was finalised.

It is planned to install some additional irrigation in this area whilst it is disturbed. Post irrigation, 3 new trees will be planted to replace the Dutch Elm.

Autumn is a great time of the year for a wander through WBG. Come in and see how the

landscape changes with different views being slowly exposed leading up to winter.

2016

Over the past few years we have slowly but surely implemented a few changes to the way watering is undertaken within WBG.

With the generous financial assistance of FOWBG we have replaced significant metres of old gal pipe with poly pipe.

This improvement in underground infrastructure has enabled better distribution of flow and therefore pressure.

Along with new pipe work we have also installed irrigation cable which will enable the addition of automated lawn sprinklers when funding permits.

It is estimated that approximately 600 metres of new pipe and irrigation cable has been installed over the past 6 years.

Combined with new pipe and irrigation cable has been the automated watering of numerous shrub beds and key lawn areas.

Just recently 4 automated lawn sprinklers were installed on the rotunda lawn which will enable watering at night therefore a more sustainable use of our bore water.

Also, again due the generosity of the FOWBG, we have installed a Rainbird IQ system which enables us to operate the bore and irrigation via our phones and from off site locations.

The IQ systems also allows tracking of water use and alerts to notify of any system malfunctions.

Although the above is impressive we still have a long way to go to improve our watering.

Hoses and impact sprinklers will still be used to water approximately 60% of WBG and unfortunately this will happen during the day.

Looking long term we will continue to improve and implement best irrigation practice where possible over the coming years.

Curator John Sheely

2015

The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (WBG) team is pleased to report on our achievements over the past year.

Achievements by the team include:

Continued mulching of existing specimen trees.
Infill plantings of shrub beds to add to the diversity of plant material and to increase the 'bulk' of these beds.
Mulching of these beds continues along with some reshaping to define bed edges and to assist with turf management.
Installation of new poly pipe to bypass existing and clogged galvanised pipes.
Installation of underground wiring for future automation of irrigation.
Installation of automated irrigation to beds 8, 12,14 and 16.
Uplifting of the Cypress and Pine plantings along the western boundary.
Installation of a new picnic table generously donated by the Jones Family and reshaping of bed 15 to accommodate it.
Planting assistance given to the Friends of Swan Reserve.
Display bed plantings using both annual displays and perennial displays.
Planting and mulching of specimen trees within lawn areas.
Mulching and planting out under the 'Money Tree'.
Fernery drainage – reducing risk of slipping and making for all weather access.
Kings College involvement within WBG for community service – supervised by Murtle.
Continued management of WBG Facebook page that enables the team to post events, works and general interest photos of WBG for followers to see.
Continued close association with South West TAFE in which apprentice’s gain much needed practical experience within WBG.

Ros, Murtle and I, again look forward to continuing our close working relationship with the Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens particularly given the significance of next year being the 150^th anniversary.

Personally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FOWBG committee for their continued support of the team’s work within WBG.

Happy gardening!

John Sheely
Curator, Warrnambool BG

2014

The Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (WBG) team is pleased to report on our achievements over the past year.

Achievements by the team over the past year include:

Removal of Cypress Arch to reinstate intended views of the palm avenue.
Continued mulching of existing specimen trees and shrub beds.
Infill plantings of shrub beds to add to the diversity of plant material and to increase the 'bulk' of these beds.
Mulching of these beds continues along with some reshaping to define bed edges and to assist with turf management.
Planting of bulbs within strategic locations to increase the diversity of flowers within WBG and also to highlight certain areas at certain times of the year.
Installation of a new bore line through the central lawn area.
Removal of woody weeds on the western island (bed 17) and the replanting of more suitable plants.
Installation of solenoid valves to beds 8, 10, 13, 14 and 16 for future automated irrigation within these beds.
Display bed plantings using both annual displays and perennial displays.
Installation of fixed sprinklers within the fernery that are now automated.
Planting and mulching of specimen trees within lawn areas.
Collection of Lone Pine cones for potential propagation and distribution.
Dead wooding and selective pruning of high profile trees was undertaken resulting in significant aesthetic improvements along with proactive mature tree management.
Planting out, mulching and tree guarding of significant pines within the pinetum.
Continued management of WBG Facebook page that enables the team to post events, works and general interest photos of WBG for followers to see.
Continued close association with South West TAFE in which apprentices gain much needed practical experience within WBG.

The WBG team, Ros, Murtle and I, again look forward to continuing our close working relationship with the Friends of Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. Personally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FOWBG committee for their continued support of the team’s work within WBG.

I encourage all of you to visit the WBG and take the time to grab a team member and have a chat.

Happy gardening!

John Sheely
Curator, Warrnambool BG

2013

Achievements by the team over the past year include:

Preliminary clearing out of bed 13 in preparation for new plantings in Spring 2013.
Continued mulching of existing specimen trees and shrub beds.
Infill plantings of shrub beds to add to the diversity of plant material and to increase the ‘bulk’ of these beds.
Mulching of these beds continues along with some reshaping to define bed edges and to assist with turf management.
Planting of bulbs within strategic locations to increase the diversity of flowers within WBG and also to highlight certain areas at certain times of the year.
Creation and installation of Rotunda signage including the use of a QR code for immediate access to booking forms for the rotunda via a smartphone.
Display bed plantings using both annual displays and perennial displays.
Demonstration garden highlighting vegetables that can be grown at home in small spaces.
Planting and mulching of specimen trees within lawn areas.
Continued participation in a community program with Kings College where students are undertaking gardening works within WBG fortnightly.
Dead wooding and selective pruning of high profile trees was undertaken resulting in significant aesthetic improvements along with proactive mature tree management.
Planting out, mulching and tree guarding of significant pines within the pinetum.
Creation and management of WBG Facebook page that enables the team to post events, works and general interest photos of WBG for followers to see.
Continued close association with South West TAFE in which apprentice's gain much needed practical experience within WBG.

2012

Despite fluctuations in staffing levels we managed to achieve a thing or two.

Projects undertaken by the team over the past year include:

Continued mulching of existing specimen trees
Realignment of garden beds to eliminate 'dead' areas and create more planting opportunities
Installation of metal edging in the parterre display beds and sundial display beds
Drainage works to pathways
Planting and maintaining annual displays within the display beds
Planting and mulching of specimen trees in lawn areas
Continued mulching of shrub beds
Sourcing and planting of Acanthus species to continue our plant collection
Levelling and returfing certain higher profile lawn areas (e.g. Rotunda)
Continued planting out of Bill Funk pines within the Pinetum
Removal of the Cypress archway closest to the fountain
Removal of 4 over-mature Cypress from northern boundary (near children’s crossing)
Participation in a community program with Kings College where students are undertaking gardening work within WBG every fortnight
Continuing our close association with South West TAFE in which apprentices gain much needed practical experience within WBG

Planting out around the Giraffe swing.

2011

Projects undertaken by the team over the past year include:

Removal of the Bamboo in front of the ladies toilet and planting of a display garden.
Planting and maintaining annual displays within the display beds.
Boxing of the giraffe swing and commencement of new plantings around this area.
Installation of an 'access for all' drinking fountain adjacent to the giraffe swing.
Extension of the bore line to complete the ring main – northeast corner.
Stage 2 of the waterwise garden has been completed.
Planting and mulching of specimen trees in lawn areas.
Planting of Pines within the Pinetum – material sourced from Bill Funk and grown on in the WBG nursery
Continued mulching of beds.
Renovating garden beds in accordance with Master Plan.
Thinning of the water lilies – western end.
Installation of drainage to redirect pond overflow from the path network into stormwater.
Creation of a new ‘main’ entrance from Botanic Road that aligns the entrance way with the bridge.
Under planting of trees within shrub beds.
Development of new garden beds where 'dead' areas are a maintenance issue.
Sourcing of Acanthus species to make up our first plant collection.

2010

The team has been busy ensuring that the landscape doesn’t remain static but rather dynamic to reflect the natural changes that occur within a garden.

Projects undertaken by the team over the past year include:

Reworking of the front gate bed to clearly distinguish between the annual displays and the perennial/shrub border. This has been achieved with the installation of metal edging.
Reworking of the Urn bed again to delineate between the annual displays and shrubs. Again metal edging was installed.
Mulching of both beds has ensured a better environment for plant growth and weed suppression.
Pruning, mulching and fencing of the 'Money Tree' in an attempt to prolong its life expectancy. Mulching and fencing has enabled the 'Money Tree' to be further enhanced as a prominent part of the landscape. Mulching has also permitted the under planting of bulbs within the mulched exclusion zone.
Stage 2 of the waterwise garden has commenced with clearing works finalised and planting due to start shortly.
Removal of the Pampas Grass around the fountain and replanting of more 'environmental friendly' screening species.
Planting of specimen trees in lawn areas.
Mulching of the Cedars in the northeast corner.
Removal of a dead Lawson Cypress.
Continued mulching of beds.
Thinning of the water lilies.

The continued support of the FOWBG is greatly appreciated and we again look forward to further developing this relationship.

I look forward to seeing you all at the gardens over the coming year and would encourage you to grab a team member and have a chat.

2009

Firstly, it would be remiss of me not to thank the 'immediate' botanic gardens team of Ros and Mark for all that we have achieved in the previous 12 months.

Also the efforts of the parks and gardens staff that assist in the maintenance of the gardens should also be acknowledged.

Looking back we have been able to achieve the following in the past 12 months:

Installation of sub-surface irrigation in the fernery
Replanting of the fernery with key Otway ferns and path rectification works
Removal of 'inappropriate' plant material within beds and lawn areas.
Propagating key plant material within WBG
Planting of new trees and shrubs
Establishing contact with professional sources outside of WCC
Continued planting of annuals within key areas
Mulching of both beds and specimen trees
Planning and implementation of the waterwise garden including interpretative signage
Uplifting of boundary Cypress trees

The monthly FOWBG mornings in the garden have seen a wide range of activities undertaken. These mornings are an opportunity for the Friends to mix with the team and learn and/or develop gardening skills.

The assistance by the Friends on these mornings is appreciated by the team as it assists us with achieving set tasks (many hands make light work!) and gives everyone an opportunity to get to know each other.

The continued support of the FOWBG is greatly appreciated and we look forward to further developing this relationship.

For those that haven’t visited the gardens for a while, please come in and have a walk around.

2007

John started at the gardens early this year and has already made some major in-roads into the restoration of the gardens.

He has started propagation of garden plants, mulching around all the major trees and has just replanted the first of around 11 garden beds.

He is organising the staff to visit other gardens, and conscious that the Friends and Staff have a good working relationship.

With John’s employment at TAFE he is forming a good bridge between the gardens and the students.

John has plans to assist us with the growing area where we hope to build on our membership involvement.

We are very excited about the coming years and us helping John in his endeavours.