Children's Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Inspiring play gives life-long messages about conservation and sustainability

Significance of a special garden for children

Children are the future custodians of our planet. Their interest and ability to care for the environment and our planet will grow out of their love for the environment, gardens and plants in childhood. The issue of nurturing our planet is one of sustainability - economic, political, social and life itself.

Deep habits are developed in childhood. A pattern of visiting the botanic gardens in childhood will have lasting personal benefits through a lifetime. Gardens and gardening give pleasure; they nurture the soul; calm the spirit; bring communities together; and are a source of creativity and health. Plants are the source of life - they link to food, clothing, shelter, clean air - our survival depends on them.

A safe stimulating exciting garden which children can explore will fire imaginations, create deep affinities and generate profound results - often not seen for decades to come. As the premier city in Australia, Sydney needs to offer its children their own garden.

This Garden is only possible with external funding. Although the NSW Government provides 60% of the Trust budget, support from the Foundation is critical to funding new acquisitions and programs that cannot be achieved through recurrent funding. The Botanic Gardens Trust plays a key role in sustaining the environment through maintaining plant conservation and diversity.

Key Features

The garden will have features to enchant, challenge and inspire 2-10 year old children discovering flora and fauna. At appropriate size scales, there may be a canopy walk, tree houses, cubbies, water features, areas for story telling and to do hands on gardening. It will gently make the connections between plants, our lives and our survival. The garden will be open for self discovery and also have a program of structured activities. The garden will be fenced and open for set hours for security reasons and close to facilities for mothers and minders. Sustainable horticultural practices will be used - organic, no - low chemical usage and recycling.

Users and visitors

Children with parents or carers. The garden will also appeal to adults with a passion for learning.

Benefactors are valued and recognised

Benefactors will enjoy a close and fulfilling association with our three Botanic Gardens with invitations to special events, to talks and viewings of our various collections, and behind the scene tours.

Benefactors will be recognised on signage, in Foundation Fellowship listing and publications, Trust website, annual report and other documentation.

Philanthropy

We are seeking support from corporations, individual benefactors or foundations for $5 million and maintenance costs.

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