In the fourth and final episode of the BGANZ Grow Well Series, host and BGANZ Ambassador Costa Georgiadis – joined by BGANZ’s Julia Watson – explored how botanic gardens can serve as genuine health infrastructure, not just beautiful places to visit. He was joined by three guests bringing complementary perspectives: Waminda Parker, co-founder of nature-and-wellbeing social enterprise Nature Fix; Michael Anlezark, Manager of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden; and Jacinta Perrin, a registered nurse and senior clinical advisor in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
The conversation centred on the growing evidence that intentional time in nature delivers real, measurable health benefits – and that botanic gardens are uniquely placed to provide it. As Waminda Parker put it, “We all know nature is good for us,” but the science is now catching up to what many feel instinctively, with research linking time in nature to reduced stress, better cognition and stronger social connection.
Parker outlined five key ingredients that turn time in nature into a therapeutic intervention: not all nature is equally restorative, people need to feel safe, they need to move beyond their “sensory ruts,” they need to engage actively, and they need time to reflect. Botanic gardens, she noted, tick every box – offering a “smorgasbord of sensory engagement” in a setting that feels contained and safe. Her message to the sector was direct: botanic gardens should be valued as “a health asset” worthy of real investment.
Michael Anlezark shared how Eurobodalla turned these ideas into practice with a seven-station wellness walk, opened in June last year, built on the Nature Fix model. The stations offer simple cues to slow down and awaken the senses – from smelling crushed leaves to touching stone and timber, to a “serenity seat” beneath the spotted gums. Remarkably, the project cost under $45,000. “Go to a botanic garden,” he said. “You’ll get the most natural fix that’s legal.” A gratitude book at the final station has filled with heartfelt messages, including one visitor’s thanks “for this pause from our phone screen.”
Jacinta Perrin brought the clinical perspective, describing a six-week nature therapy research project, run in partnership with Southern Cross University, supporting people referred from public mental health services in the wake of the Black Summer fires. She reflected on the power of beauty and safety for some of the community’s most disadvantaged people, and on how nature becomes a non-judgmental presence in recovery. “Botanic gardens [are] an untapped resource,” she said. “It’s health infrastructure.”
As part of Botanic Gardens Week 2026 and this year’s theme, Where Your Health Grows, the episode was a powerful reminder that botanic gardens are far more than scenic backdrops – they are accessible, evidence-backed spaces that can actively support our physical, mental and social health. As Julia Watson summed up, the value of botanic gardens lies in their role as essential health infrastructure: “Go and visit – it’s good for you. It’s good for botanic gardens.” There’s still time to join the Grow Your Health Challenge and discover simple ways to reconnect with nature.
Meet our speakers:
Waminda Parker
Winda Parker is co-founder and director of Nature Fix, a for-purpose social enterprise. Through Nature Fix, Winda leads innovative approaches that help individuals, communities and organisations integrate nature into everyday life, healthcare, education and the built environment — supporting healthier people, stronger communities and a more sustainable planet.
Michael Anlezark
Michael Anlezark is Manager of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden on the south coast of New South Wales, with nearly 30 years dedicated to Australian flora conservation. He has led major regional botanic gardens, securing substantial funding, fostering strategic partnerships and developing successful volunteer programs. In 2023 he received a National Garden Clubs of Australia award for services to the community.
Jacinta Perrin
Jacinta Perrin is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience across mental health, homelessness, domestic violence, and alcohol and other drug services. She is currently Senior Clinical Advisor for Policy and Practice in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Service.
