Barossa Bush Garden Tour.About 30 Rotarians and Friends from the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley did a tour of the Barossa Bush Gardens (BBG) on the 3rd of November.
The Barossa Bush Gardens is a community-led project displaying, conserving and distributing local native vegetation. The gardens are used for recreation, and environmental education and it is also a place to bring the community together.
Trevor Waldhuter took us around the gardens and explained the multitude of native plants that are nurtured in the BBG. He also gave us an insight into the use, value and impact on the environment of the native plants.
The Gardens are arranged in sections to highlight the different species and the different use for which the plants can be put. This grouping allows visitors to see how the plants can interact with the environment and which plants are most suited to specific conditions.
Trevor finished his tour with an explanation of how Wicking Beds work and we saw the BBG wicking beds in action and the quality of the vegetables grown in them.
Rotarian David West organised a 2-course meal, expertly assisted by Bryce and Phil who manned the club BBQ and Marie and Bev when they had completed their cashier duties.
Doreen von Linde then talked to us about the importance of keeping native plants in the Barossa as they provide so much to support our local environment. Pollinator insects, birds, frogs and reptiles depend on the native habitats and the environment depends on the presence of native animals. A balance that needs to be maintained for the future of the Barossa Valley.The Bush Gardens are open from dawn to dusk for casual visitors to explore the gardens and the Natural Resource Centre and shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. See the website for times. https://barossabushgardens.com.au/community-nursery
The volunteers work on-site at different times during the week so a casual visitor can get more information about the BBG from them, depending on who is available at the time.
The evening was a very pleasant, informative and friendly event that provided so much detail on the Barossa native plants and their importance for the Barossa ecology. Everyone in the Barossa should visit the Barossa Bush Gardens at least once.