The work of the Gardens

The Nursery

Most plants in the Gardens are propagated in the Nursery, usually from cuttings collected from the wild. The Nursery is located at the northern end of the Gardens. Special collections of frost-sensitive species are kept in poly-houses; and plants with special cultivation requirements, are maintained in pots. This area is not open to the public, except during special events.

Australian National Herbarium

The Herbarium houses the largest collection of pressed, dried plant specimens in Australia. These are used for scientific research and as a reference for the identification of plants, including those growing at the Gardens. The Herbarium is not open to the public, except during special events.

The Herbarium is is operated jointly with CSIRO Plant Industry as part of a joint research facility, the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research.

Scientific Research

The Gardens is involved in research into the botany, biology and horticulture of Australian and related plants. Most research takes place within the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research under two programs, the first concentrating on the systematics and biogeography of the Australian flora, while the second concentrates on the conservation and utilisation of the Australian flora. Both the preserved specimens in the Herbarium and the living plants are also resources for the wider scientific community. Research facilities are not open to the public.

Databases

The Gardens manages several large plant databases, along with much other botanical information relevant to Australian botanic gardens, and makes these readily available to all via the Internet. What's its Name? is a simple point of access to the more complex 'Australian Plant Name Index' APNI listing all the scientific names ever used for Australia's plants. The total living collection database is available to the public on the web. The herbarium database is available to legitimate researchers, contact the Herbarium Curator at cpbr-info@anbg.gov.au for access.

The Photograph Collection

The Gardens manages a large collection of photographic slides of its activities and Australian Botany. The bulk of the collection cosnsists of identified Australian plant species, but also a large number of environmental and conservation images. The slides are available for external use such as publishing.

Library

The Gardens' library has significant collections of botanical books, journals, cd-roms and maps. The library is open to students and the public by appointment. Telephone: 02-6250 9480.
You can search the Library catalogue from the Library web page.

Education

The Gardens' runs an education service and the Education Officer can assist teachers to plan excursions to the Gardens and provide worksheets and associated materials. Bookings are essential. Telephone: 06-2509547.

Friends of the Gardens

The Friends of the Gardens are a community-based support group for the Gardens. Members have the chance to meet others with a keen interest in plants and gardens and have an opportunity to be involved in special activities associated with the Gardens. Sub-groups of the Friends include the 'Volunteer Guides' and the 'Growing Friends' who propagate plants for sale to raise money for the Gardens. For further information telephone 02 - 6250 9538.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an important part of the Gardens link with the community, and a vital resource for the Gardens operation. As well as the very prominent 'Volunteer Guides', we have volunteers working in the Herbarium, seed-store and education units and other areas from time to time.