Beyond Beauty: Botanic Gardens as Health Assets
Botanic gardens have long been places people turn to for calm, connection and restoration — but growing research suggests they are far more than beautiful green spaces. They are vital health assets within our communities.
In this webinar, we explore what makes botanic gardens uniquely powerful environments for wellbeing. From intentional landscape design and psychological safety, to opportunities for reflection, movement, social connection and immersion in nature, botanic gardens offer experiences that support mental, physical and emotional health in ways few other public spaces can.
Drawing on visitor research, including findings that people most value botanic gardens as places to relax, connect with nature and escape daily pressures, we’ll examine how these experiences align with emerging evidence from health and wellbeing research, including work undertaken through NatureFix and wider research.
The conversation will also explore the broader role botanic gardens can play in shaping healthier futures — not only supporting individual wellbeing, but fostering environmental stewardship, strengthening community resilience, and contributing to the growing “nature prescription” movement. As healthcare systems increasingly recognise the therapeutic benefits of nature, what role could botanic gardens play as critical pieces of public health infrastructure?
Join us for an inspiring discussion on the growing evidence behind the power of gardens, and why these living landscapes may be more important to our future wellbeing than ever before.
Meet our Host:
Costa Georgiadis is one of Australia’s most recognisable and beloved gardening personalities – a landscape architect, environmental educator, author and television presenter with an infectious passion for plants, people and the natural world. Best known as the long-time host of ABC TV’s iconic Gardening Australia, Costa has inspired millions of Australians to reconnect with nature, grow food, care for the environment and strengthen their communities through gardening.
Costa is also the author of Costa’s World, a celebration of gardening as a pathway to healthier people, stronger communities and a more sustainable future. Through his television work, public speaking, writing and community projects, he continues to champion the idea that gardens are far more than beautiful spaces – they are vital places for wellbeing, biodiversity, education and connection.
Meet our speakers:
Waminda Parker
Co-Founder and Director of NatureFix, a for-purpose social enterprise. Through NatureFix, Waminda is leading 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
Manager of Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden with nearly 30 years dedicated to Australian flora conservation, Michael has led major regional botanic gardens, securing substantial funding, fostering strategic partnerships, and developing successful volunteer programs. In 2023 Michael won a National Garden Clubs of Australia Award for services to the community.
Jacinta Perrin
Registered Nurse with over 30 years’ experience working across mental health, homelessness and domestic violence, and alcohol and other drug services. Jacinta is currently the Senior Clinical Advisor for Policy and Practice with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service.