Our latest updates and newsletters
The Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden publish a newsletter four times a year – in February, May, August and November. These are free to all Members.
Our newsletters contain articles on Friends events, activities, and updates on the Garden.
All new issues are available online. Members are advised by e-mail when a new issue is available.
News
Begonia House Refresh
A new science and discovery centre is in the works for the Gardens’ Begonia House, a capital landmark that attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year. The Friends are helping!
So far, the Friends have raised over $12,000 towards the eco-interpretation centre and estimate another $50,000- $100,00 is needed to complete the project.
Funds for the project are raised through sales of the Down the Garden Path gin and olive oil (see below!), koha collected at the monthly music performances, other activities and personal donations.
Down the Garden Path Olive Oil and Gin
The name Down the Garden Path is a nod to a Friends initiative some years ago. Everyone is familiar with the distinctive tiles set into the main sealed paths even if they don’t know that these subtle tiles signal the downward path to the city. You may recognise the tile on the label of each bottle!
Down the Garden Path Gin is an exciting partnership between the distilling expertise of The Bond Store and the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden. The collaboration is believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand, drawing inspiration from a similar collaboration created for Kew Gardens in the UK.
This boutique gin pays homage to the Botanic Gardens and, alongside more traditional botanicals, includes the infusion of native kawakawa and rosehips specially harvested from the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens. The inclusion of heritage roses results in a distinctive aromatic gin that is a salute to both domestic gardens and the Rose Garden. The result is a gin with a botanical signature that few (if any) other distillers are able to access. This is a gin conceived, distilled and bottled in the Wellington region.
“Smooth and elegant – this gin has a beautiful lightness on the palate, rounded out with the sweetness of rosehips – perfect summer drinking as a light martini or refreshingly served with a slice of dried orange or a swish of rosemary. This is the gin to enjoy with friends and support and celebrate the Wellington Botanic Gardens.”
Down the Garden Path Gin can be purchased directly from The Bond Store.
Down the Garden Path Olive Oil is a blended boutique oil with a creamy herbaceous flavour and a hint of pepper. Perfect for using with breads, salads, meats and vegetables, or simply use as a light dressing or dip. This certified extra virgin olive oil is the perfect blend of country and city bringing sophistication to every table and tasting.
“I used Down the Garden Path olive oil in the Mediterranean salad we had yesterday accompanying some lamb cutlets. It was absolutely amazing. So thank you to the Friends and compliments to the blender.” Syd
A donation from the sale of every bottle supports the development of the Friends educational centre located in the soon-to-be renovated Begonia House.
Down the Garden Path Olive Oil can be purchased from the Treehouse Visitor Centre or by emailing olive@boundarygardens.com ($17.00 for 250ml bottle, plus postage & packaging)
Recent newsletters
Also, our most recent newsletter has been added below.
Past newsletters
To access other past newsletters contact us at wbgfriends@gmail.com.
Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden 