A man who spent three decades living and working in Geelong Botanic Gardens has revealed its secret history in a new book.
Ian Rogers launched Kangaroo Grassland to Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park this week with the help of Mayor Bruce Harwood, who described the book as “stunning”.
Mr Rogers began his research after starting work at the gardens in 1981, only to be told its history had never been documented.
He hoped his 400-plus pages of information and images would encourage more people to discover Geelong’s “hidden jewel”.
“As the fourth oldest botanic gardens in Australia, (it) is an impressive space that boasts a world-renowned plant collection,” Mr Rogers said.
“I saw it as imperative that history was recorded and, through a combination of circumstance and opportunity, I’ve been able to produce what I hope will be accepted as a detailed historical document.
“I hope readers will enjoy seeing the evolution of our world-famed botanic gardens from the original aspirational vision to the modern green space overlooking Corio Bay we have today.”
City Hall said anyone who wanted a copy of Kangaroo Grassland to Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park should phone Mr Rogers on 0439 412 734.
