Hi Everyone, I am stepping up to the plate this year, to get the Illawarra Branch of the Australian Plant Society happening again. I am really hoping to get some of the old members back again but also encourage some new members too. My aim is to have open garden visits and bush walks to explore our rich natural environment here in the Illawarra, I am more than open to suggestions and welcome input and new members. I will be establishing a FB page in the coming weeks where we can all share images and help each other out.

The plan is to launch the Illawarra Group at the first APS NSW gathering for the year, which is being held at the Grevillea Park and the Thirroul Community Centre on Saturday, 15 February.

I have attached information below regarding the gathering, which begins with a guided tour of the Grevillea Park, Bulli at 10 am, followed two guest speakers and afternoon tea at the Thirroul Community Centre, commencing at 1 pm.

Notice of future APS NSW event

APS NSW February Gathering

Saturday 15 February 2014

Our next quarterly gathering is in the Illawarra area and will feature Grevilleas:  the wide range of species and cultivars, the extraordinary flower shapes and colours and the overall diversity provide continuing interest and fascination.

The gathering will be held at the Thirroul Community Centre Excelsior Hall at 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (see map below).

During the morning the Illawarra Grevillea Park at Grevillea Park Road Bulli will be open for free viewing.

The Excelsior Hall program will commence with a self-provided lunch at noon. This will be followed by our two speakers Peter Olde and Peter Weston.

Peter Olde is a well known APS identity and expert on Grevilleas. He is the co-author of the three-volume Grevillea Book and will talk on New types of Grevilleas for the garden.

Peter Weston is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and will talk on The relationship between Grevilleas and Hakeas. After the presentations and questions, afternoon tea will be provided. The usual plant sales and other attractions will also be available.

The program

10 – 12 pm          Illawarra Grevillea Park at Bulli will be open

12 – 1 pm           Lunch (self-provided) and plant sales at Excelsior Hall, Thirroul

1–2.30 pm           Grevillea Talks at Excelsior Hall by Peter Olde and Peter Weston

2.30 – 4 pm         Afternoon tea and plant sales at Excelsior Hall

Due to the costs associated with running these events (venue hire, catering etc), a small entrance fee of $5 per person will be charged for the 2014 gatherings. The quarterly gatherings have been popular and we wish to continue them and preserve their financial viability.

So please note Saturday 15 February and let’s all meet in the Illawarra and get the 2014 gatherings off to a friendly and successful start.