By BRIDGET COOK
LEARN how the two worlds of science and plants collide with a range of free tours at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne during National Science Week.
The gardens are hosting a variety of tours during Australia’s largest annual celebration of science between 16 and 24 August.
Gardens director and chief executive Tim Entwisle will lead one of the tours called Bushland Biodiversity.
He will be talking about different ways to observe biodiversity in the environment and the need for Australia’s seasons to reflect what Australian plants do, rather than the traditional ill-fitting northern hemisphere seasons.
Cranbourne Gardens horticulture manager John Arnott will also be running a tour on the topic of The Secret of the Eucalypt.
About 75 per cent of the significant trees in the City of Casey are red gums and many are scar trees, remnants from local indigenous people.
Mr Arnott will be discussing his life-long love of eucalypts and how they’ve adapted to the Australian environment.
He will also share some tips on identifying eucalypts and selecting the right ones for the home garden.
Mr Entwisle encouraged people to attend the tours and celebrate National Science Week.
“Botanic gardens have always celebrated plant life, displaying its variety and beauty,” he said.
“But they also have a bigger job to do – helping people to understand that all life is sustained and enriched by plants.
“Through our magnificent gardens, through science and spreading our knowledge, we want people to understand and value the role of plants in their lives.
“These tours offer the chance to look a little closer, beyond the green expanse, and discover the stories behind our plant collections.”
For bookings and further information contact the Visitor Centre on 5990 2200.
