This beautiful illustration highlights some of the Victorian grassland plants that Colleen Miller from WMCA spoke about at our meeting.

If you have more questions about the amazing diversity of grassland vegetation or would like to get involved, please email Colleen.




To learn more about the basalt grassland projects coordinated by Western Melbourne Catchment Areas:
www.wmcn.org.au

For wildflower walking dates:
www.wildflowerwalks.org.au

For plant identification:
www.victorianflora.com

Monday, 1st September, 7.30pm
Williamstown Croquet Club, 104 Victoria Street

Colleen Miller, coordinator of the Western Melbourne Catchments Network, ( http://www.wmcn.org.au/) will be sharing with us some exciting stories about the botanical treasures on our doorstep and the importance of the Western Grassland Reserve Project.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the reserves which cover two large areas around Mt Cottrell to the south east of Melton, and north of Little River to the west of Werribee.

The latest newsletter is available to download and is full of dates for your diary.
There is also an magazine article by Mark Frisby about the importance of Williamstown Botanic Gardens in the community.

Click on to our calendar and note upcoming dates:

• Spring Planning - 13th August, 7.30 pm Morning Star Hotel
  
• AGM - 22nd October
  
• Storytime
  
• Open Day
  

It might be cold outside but we're getting ready for spring!
The Children/Education Subcommittee co-ordinate a number of garden activities over the warmer months and we need to review and plan for this season. We hope to offer:

• Storytime under the Elm
  
• Reading Corner
  
• Primary School activities
  

To chat about getting involved and keeping these great initiatives going, please come along for drinks at the Morning Star on Wednesday, 13th August at 7.30 pm.

Upcoming Events

Storytime under the Golden Elm – “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” – Friday 4 April 2014
10.30am – 11.00am in the Williamstown Botanic Gardens
You are invited to come along to this final Storytime of the 2013- 2014 season. Should it be raining library staff will run an alternative story time in the Williamstown branch of Hobsons Bay Libraries.

General Meeting of the Friends – 7.30pm Monday 7 April 2014
Williamstown Croquet Club 104 Victoria Street, Williamstown. 
Members are invited to a brief meeting to discuss planning for Paint the Gardens and to register to assist on Sunday the 13th of April so we can set up a roster. We will need help with set up from 8.00am onwards, manning tables and voting boxes from 11.00 am to 3.15pm, counting votes, assisting with the plant and book stall through the day and pack up at 5.00pm.

We will also discuss planning to deal with a change of venue to the Williamstown Town Hall if, on Friday the 11th of April, heavy rain is forecast for the day of Paint the Gardens.

If you cannot come to the meeting but can help on Sunday the 13th please contact Sue Murray email agriview@bigpond.net.au or phone 9397 5698 or Lindy Wallace email wallaclj@bigpond.net.au or phone 9391 5387 by Tuesday the 8th of April to let us know the time/s you can help so we can finalise the roster. 

Paint the Gardens – 13th April 2014
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
 Entries are coming in, sponsors have committed, advertising posters and boards are up.   All is set for a great day for the Friends and the community.

Book Corner April 2014
The book corner will appear in the Gardens on fine week days from the 7th of April to Thursday the 17th of April. We will ask for volunteers to help set up and pack up.

Visit of Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens –10.30am Wednesday 30 April 2014
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Please note this date and come along if you can for a walk, talk and lunch.

CONGRATULATIONS to Anja Lee for her 2014 HBCC Inspirational Woman Award recognising her years of amazing work with the Friends education activities.