Growing together

Growing Friends is a passionate team of volunteers who propagate and sell unusual and hard-to-find plants, so everyone can take home a little piece of the Botanic Gardens.

Every plant sold by Growing Friends has a story, whether it’s rare, remarkable, or propagated directly from the living collection. Whether you’re a collector, a curious browser, or simply after something green with a great story, there’s always a plant for you.

Now, Growing Friends has a fresh new look to match its flourishing spirit. The new identity celebrates the group’s close connection with the Gardens and reflects its transformation from a small, enthusiastic band of growers into one of the organisation’s most successful volunteer ventures. It’s a look that feels as vibrant and welcoming as the people behind it, and a proud symbol of how far they’ve come.

What began in 1998 with just 10 volunteers has blossomed into a thriving community that generates vital funds for conservation, science and education. Over the decades, the initiative has grown beyond all expectations, with more than 100 volunteers now propagating a range of native and exotic plants, including rare and endangered species.

“Growing Friends volunteers are highly respected by Gardens employees,” says Greg Lamont, Horticultural Adviser and long-time co-leader of the Wednesday team. “We run a very successful commercial nursery. Our efforts in fundraising assist in providing capital equipment like fogging systems for the orchid house, laboratory equipment for the ReCER conservation research, and scholarships for staff.”

Greg, who joined nearly 13 years ago, helped refine the group’s horticultural practices.

“When I started, turnover was around $90,000. Within a few years we’d doubled that, and now it’s triple,” 

Greg Lamont

 

For Sheila Buchan, who began volunteering over a decade ago and now serves as co-leader for the Tuesday group and Administration Co-ordinator, the new identity is just one sign of how far the group has come. “During my time, Growing Friends have gone from strength to strength,” she says. “We’ve modernised our admin processes, updated sales reporting, and built a custom database so each team can track propagation, stock and sales. It means we have a much clearer idea of what sells.”

Sheila has been instrumental in the behind-thescenes improvements that have kept the operation running smoothly as it expanded. “We also now have Saturday and Sunday teams selling to the public,” she adds. “And we’re expanding our Lightspeed system to record sales and stock in real time – even on our phones. It will make a big difference to how we work.”

Under the guidance of Liz Jeavons–Fellows, who has been involved for the past seven years and took on the role of General Coordinator this year, Growing Friends continues to evolve and innovate. “Over the years we’ve become more organised, more professional, and much more connected to the wider Gardens,” Liz says. “We’ve improved our shop, boosted marketing and signage, and built a real sense of unity.”

That sense of purpose extends well beyond the nursery gates. “It’s wonderful that we could put funds towards the fabulous Clivia heritage collection,” Sheila says. “We’re also currently raising money for a walkway in the new Camellia Garden beds. We’re also supporting horticulturists to undertake overseas training.”

The team’s enthusiasm for plants remains infectious. “Personally, I’m very excited about the new gingers John Larsen is purchasing for the Gardens,” Sheila adds. “Our Tuesday group is propagating them from stem cuttings, and there might even be a segment on them with Clarence from Gardening Australia.”

With projects like the Clivia collection, the Nature Restoration Nursery project at Mount Annan, and new plant ranges coming through, the future of Growing Friends is bright. “The warmer months are such a fabulous time of year,” says Liz. “Everything’s growing, changing daily. Just propagating with success and seeing the results of our labour at this time of year is terrific.”

For all three volunteers, the real joy lies in the people. 

“Growing Friends is very special,” says Greg. “We have close, respectful relationships and great satisfaction in growing plants and selling them to our customers.” Liz agrees: “Gardeners are generous, curious and kind. Everyone who joins seems to understand the great gift we hold gently in our hands.”

 

As the rebrand takes root, it symbolises more than a visual refresh – it’s a celebration of community, purpose and growth. “For anyone thinking about joining us,” says Liz, “what are you waiting for? Just do it – there’s no downside, it’s a great community.”