BGANZ NZ Seminar Series Autumn Session 25-26 April 2012

Over the last five years seminars and workshop sessions at the regional meetings and the Hamilton Congress have covered quite a diverse range of topics including the following. Sponsorship and fundraising, staff training, conservation partnerships, species conservation, community partnerships, park interpretation, volunteers, botanic garden nurseries and managing events on parks.

The most recent seminar at Dunedin Botanic Gardens (September 2011) had the theme of "Plant Collections". Forty two people attended a well-rounded programme that focused on defining a plant collection, setting collection standards, keeping records and the ongoing development of plant collections.

The next BGANZ NZ seminar will be held at Hamilton Gardens from 25 -26 April 2012 and precede the NZ Gardens Trust Conference which runs from 27th to the 29th April 2012 in Hamilton. The Banks Lecture (RNZIH) is at 6pm on 26th April.

At present it is intended this seminar follow the successful format and fast pace of the Dunedin one with about two dozen 10 minute presentations. 

Tentative outline of the April Session:

25th April

Pre-Workshop options of morning visits to Waiwhakareke and Taitua Arboretum. 2.30 – 4.30 pm - BGANZ Executive Committee Meeting or a tour Hamilton Gardens and afternoon tea.

26th April 

Workshop: Design in Public Gardens 9am to 3.30pm

This will follow four general themes. 

1.  Design processes including: preparing a design brief, selecting the right consultant, consultation and community involvement in the design process, preparing a master plan and maintaining the design integrity of a garden.

2.  Designing the visitor experience including: examining how people experience gardens, planning and improving circulation systems and the design of signage, information centres and web sites.

3.  Practical design in the Garden including: designing with plant colour, laying out plants for best effect, renewing old gardens, temporary plant displays and utilizing in-house skills.

4.  New design directions including: possible design trends in public gardens, planning for climate change, new technology in the garden, design for cost recovery from gardens and new information systems for park visitors.

Presenters will include botanic gardens staff with relevant experience as well as some external experts. If you think you may have something to contribute or to book a place please contact hamilton.gardens@hcc.co.nz

There is no charge for BGANZ members or affiliated regional gardens.