8 “As communities across Australia and New Zealand navigate increasingly busy, screen-heavy lives, a growing body of research points to a simple, accessible solution for better health — time in nature. This May, Botanic Gardens Week returns for its 11th year with the theme “Where Your Health Grows”, inviting locals to step into their nearest botanic garden and experience the proven benefits firsthand. “ www.bganz.org.au Our Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is valued as a safe, welcoming space. A walk along its shady paths will leave you feeling refreshed, but don’t forget to pause and look at your surroundings. See the detail, look more closely at plants, listen and notice the insects and hear the birds. Stop off at the Friends Centre and pick up a map before you select your walk. Perhaps follow the main path to the She Oak Grove – pause and listen. Step off the main path and wander along the side trails, including the Story of our Country and Bush Foods Plant Collections, which represent flora important to our First Nation Peoples. Walk among rainforest trees planted in honour of Australian Defence Force lives lost in the Afghan Conflict. Wander down to the Nerang River via more regional trees, and loop back through the Gum Tree Corridor. Based on bark types or regional ecosystems, and like so many of the Plant Collections planted by Friends and the community. Later, discover the Callitris Grove planted by local school children, together with visiting Turkish Artists to mark the 100th Anniversary of Gallipoli. For a shorter walk from the Friends Centre, head along the northern edge of the Feature Lake through the Friendship Force and Curators Avenue to the Closed Forest Gorge Plant Collection and Fountain. Backtrack and cross the Ring Road to the QE II Jubilee Walk. Fast becoming a favourite for its silent forest track, with some trees dating from the early development of the Gold Coast. Emerging at the heritage Rosser Orchard, walk to the bush steps back to the lake, passing the grand old Blackbutt. Even the shortest of walks in nature will leave you feeling refreshed. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is one of over 50 gardens taking part in events celebrating Botanic Gardens Australia New Zealand (BGANZ) Botanic Gardens Week 18- 24 May. Low-key activities, including guided walks and regional native plant sales will be held throughout the week. Watch the City of Gold Coast ‘Naturally GC Calendar’ Pages and Friends of GCRBG Facebook for details, dates and times. 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Garden Makeovers, Cleanups & Rejuvenation Specialists Offering an experienced, professional and reliable service, we’ll bring your garden back to life—creating a refreshed space where you can relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings Garden Care | Plant Selection | Soft Landscaping Call Jeremy ... by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Botanic Gardens Week “Where Your Health Grows”
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