Thu 19 Nov · 5pm
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens · Victoria
an illustrated talk on restoring the Botanic Gardens' iron arbours
Get ticketsFrom $15 on whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au Ask your mates if they’re keenGet a link for the group chat · no app neededDates & times
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The Friends’ appeal for the last two years has targeted the restoration of the twelve arbours in the Royal Botanic Gardens, six of which were commissioned by then Director, Ferdinand von Mueller. Enjoy an illustrated talk explaining the arbour project and some of the restoration that has been completed.
The Argus newspaper of 28 September 1864 noted a contract was awarded to wheelwright and blacksmith John G Goldsmith for six iron bowers for Botanic Gardens, £81 10/-. There are no records of when the additional six iron arbours were constructed but Fraser Brown, from Quadratum Architects, speculates that with the appointment of Guilfoyle as Director in 1873 it is possible such works were undertaken internally by Garden staff, thus explaining the lack of contract information.
Andrew Laidlaw, the RBGV’s Landscape Architect, has designed new planting schemes for all twelve arbours which will be implemented as each arbour is repaired and reinstated.
Refreshments from 4.45pm.
Quick answers
When is Arbour Restoration Project?
Thu 19 Nov 2026, 5pm.
Where is it?
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens, Victoria, VIC.
How much are tickets?
From $15, as the source listed it when Keen last read the listing. The ticket page has the current price.
Where do I get tickets?
On whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au. The button at the top of this page goes straight there.
How do I find out which of my mates are keen?
Tap "Ask your mates if they're keen" on this page. You get one link for the group chat, and your mates answer keen, maybe or can't in their browser, with no app and no sign-up. It is free.
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