The Horticulture Volunteers first started in the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens in 2005, after the refurbished gardens were opened at the end of 2004. We are a group of 40 to 50 men and women from all walks of life. You will find a group of us in one garden or another on each day of the working week.
House of Representatives Garden: In the House of Representatives Garden, the Ladies Garden volunteer groups meet on Mondays and Fridays, and the Macarthur Garden volunteer group meets on Tuesdays.
Senate Garden: In the Senate Garden, the Broinowski Garden volunteer group meets on Wednesdays, and the Rex Hazelwood Garden volunteer group meets on Thursdays.
The National Capital Authority (NCA) supports us by: Ensuring we are fitted out in the appropriate clothing, ie polar fleece, shirt, gloves and hatMaking available the tools and other materials we need to care for the rosesArranging training on many different topics, from pests of the garden to pruning, as well as all the aspects of Occupational Health and SafetyArranging interesting excursions to further our general horticultural knowledge
Over the past year or so we have visited the new Arboretum, had a ‘behind the scenes look at Floriade, a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the National Botanic Gardens, and more recently have visited the Courtyard gardens at Parliament House. Now after several years of working in this gorgeous oasis in the middle of our capital city the volunteers all feel very much a part of these Heritage Rose Gardens. We have learnt much and believe we have made a difference in maintaining this wonderful asset.
Anyone interested in joining one of our Horticulture Volunteer groups can apply to the Volunteer Programs Coordinator at the National Capital Authority.
https://www.nca.gov.au/about-the-NCA/who-we-are/volunteers
(correct at August 2021)