THE BOTANIC GARDENer
THE BOTANIC GARDENer magazine is the leading professional publication for the botanic gardens sector across Australia and New Zealand.
Published twice a year, the magazine showcases the people, projects and ideas shaping the future of botanic gardens. Each edition features stories from across the network, highlighting innovation in horticulture, conservation, research, education, visitor engagement and garden management – from the smallest regional gardens to the largest city botanical institutions.
Whether you’re a botanic garden professional, volunteer, plant enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys visiting gardens, the magazine offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the work, innovation and passion that help botanic gardens thrive.
Through beautiful imagery, practical insights and engaging stories, THE BOTANIC GARDENer celebrates the vital role botanic gardens play in protecting plant diversity, connecting people with nature and creating healthier communities.
CURRENT EDITION
Winter 2026
THEME
Resilient gardens: adapting to a changing world
“There is always something for everyone in each issue, from the first-year apprentice to the garden director, from the volunteer to the visitor.”
Rebecca Harcourt, Editor and avid reader
Must Reads from past issues
FEATURE INTERVIEW
Paul Smith: The ecology of leadership – innovation and cultural change in today’s botanic gardens
Why have botanic gardens struggled to keep pace with the extinction crisis and what will it take to change that? A leading voice from BGCI and Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank shares frank insights on leadership, innovation, and the courage needed to drive real conservation change across the world’s 950+ botanic gardens.
By Julia Watson
POLLINATING GREAT IDEAS
Connecting to Country: inspiring awe and wonder through outdoor learning
How can outdoor learning weave First Nations and Western knowledge into a richer connection to Country? Tracy Saunders, First Nations Learning Lead at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, shares how the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan is becoming a living classroom – blending Dharawal knowledge with science and conservation to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
By Tracey Saunders
Contribute
THE BOTANIC GARDENer is built on contributions from BGANZ members.
Feature articles run 800–2,000 words; shorter pieces for the Pollinating Great Ideas section are 400–1,000 words.
Space is limited each issue. If you’re planning to submit an article, please email Megan at media@bganz.org.au to register your interest first.
NEXT ISSUE – SUMMER 2027
Walking together: how botanic gardens are listening to, learning from & partnering with First Nations people & Tāngata Whenua
We’re inviting articles for Issue 67, focused on First Nations perspectives, partnerships, landscapes and plants.
ARTICLE DEADLINE
01 October 2026
Join BGANZ
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Membership provides exclusive benefits, including unparalleled networking opportunities, access to industry leaders and expertise, valuable resources, and professional development through tailored programs, events, and forums. Members also receive partner discounts and a collective voice advocating for the sector at national and regional levels. We welcome botanic gardens, arboreta, allied industries and passionate individuals.
Join BGANZ today and strengthen your impact.
