Above: Denis, Marie Sandy, Wendy, Ros and Ian with other volunteers at recent work morning at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens

Several Dunoon people are very much involved in helping to establish Lismore’s Rainforest Botanic Gardens.  Denis Matthews is Secretary of the Friends of the Gardens, Ian Murray is Treasurer and Marie Matthews had recently taken on the role of Publicity Officer.  Wendy Atrill  and Sandy Norris  are new members  and Ros Little of Modanville  regularly attends our work days.

The idea of these Gardens was first proposed in 1994. An appropriate site, north of Lismore Waste Facility, became available in 2000 and since then  a group of volunteers have cleared weeds and rubbish from almost two hectares of degraded bush land and planted over 4000 rainforest species. The trees are now forming canopy and native groundcovers are emerging. A sealed service path runs through the Stage 1 planting of mixed rainforest and a paved path to a picnic area has been installed in Stage 2, a Dry Rainforest section. Tables and seats can be found throughout the site. The transformation is amazing - some areas are already very beautiful. Currently the focus is moving to the development of Specialty Gardens - Indigenous Plants Uses, Sensory, Endangered Species and Honour Gardens. With permanent tree labels being installed, the site is looking more and more like a proper Botanic Garden!  
Although the Gardens are not yet opened to the public, inspection can be arranged and the Friends welcome people to their work mornings on the last Sunday of each month. Contact Denis on 6689 5261 for more information.
Marie Matthews