This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Burrendong Botanic Garden & Arboretum. The Arboretum’s history begins with the dreams and efforts of two passionate amateur botanists, George Althofer and his brother Peter, whose constant efforts lobbying eventually led in 1964 to the NSW Soil Conservation Service setting aside a parcel of weed infested farm land on the foreshores of Burrendong Dam for an arboretum that was to be devoted entirely to the conservation and display of native plants - the first of its kind in Australia. Many years of tireless effort by the Althofer's (including Peters wife Hazel, who is still propagating plants at the Arboretum today) and their regular crew of hard working volunteers transformed this once damaged land into a wonder to see, containing an estimated 1500 species of native plants from all over Australia including a large collection of spectacular Western Australian plants and a diverse array of ferns and rain forest plants growing in a once dry gully under the impressive Fern Gully canopy (once the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere).

To mark this important milestone the Friends of Burrendong Arboretum would like to invite you to join us at our 50th Anniversary Spring Open Day on Sunday 28th September (as part of the Wellington Springfest weekend of events) commencing at 10am. Though the abundant spring flowering is worth the visit alone, the day will also include:

• an Australian native plant sale, where many interesting species propagated from the huge array on display here will be available. In addition Bilby Blooms will bring a great range of plants as well as their professional expertise. So come out and grab a few plants this spring to spruce up your garden, and see them in their mature form on site;
• Guided insect walk with the knowledgeable Dr Murray Graham at 10.30am;
• Special guest Christina Henri (Senior Tasmanian of the Year 2014), visiting the area for the Blessing of the Bonnets at Wellington Springfest 2014 as part of her Roses From The Heart memorial project, will draw our big anniversary raffle (a genuine Burrendong gold nugget pendant valued at $900 and other great prizes) at 12.00pm. Tickets will be available on the day if you do not already have yours;
• Performance by country bush band The Bald and the Beautiful featuring the talented Geoff Tonkin of November Shorn at 12.30pm;
• Various children's activities throughout the day including face painting, craft table, mystery walk and treasure hunt;
• One lucky event attendee will win our Lucky Gate Prize, a copy of Creating an Australian Garden signed by the author Angus Stewart of ABC's Gardening Australia. Collect your free entry ticket on arrival;
• BBQ lunch, sandwiches, various homemade goodies and drinks will be available to purchase, or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of our picturesque seating areas.

So come along and bring the whole family for a great day out. Garden entry is free for the day (though donations are always appreciated). All proceeds go towards supporting the Arboretum in its important mission to conserve and display Australia's unique flora.

For more information about Burrendong Arboretum go to: www.burrendongarboretum.org

For more information about Wellington Springfest weekend go to: www.wellingtonspringfest.com.au

Please direct any queries to foba@burrendongarboretum.org

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