The Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum has earned the praise of international visitors who were so impressed by their experience they opted to express their appreciation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The ‘World Friendship Group’ visited the facility late last year during a 17-day tour encompassing about 20 gardens.
Chair of the Friends of the Arboretum, Alice Newton, said a group – consisting of members from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and England – were fascinated by the garden as they were taken on tours by volunteer guides.
In fact they were so impressed one member took it upon herself to congratulate the team of volunteers for their efforts.
"They were absolutely enthralled with the Arboretum because it is all Australian natives,” Ms Newton said.
"Since then a lady called Deb Courtner sent an email with some photos and a nice message.
"It's nice for people to let you know they appreciate the place."
Friends of the Arboretum decided to share the letter, written by Ms Courtner who is a landscape designer and Colorado State University Extension master gardener in Colorado, USA.
It reads:
“On November 2, I visited Burrendong Garden as part of a Friendship Force tour group. The visit was a highlight of a 17-day tour, during which we viewed about 20 gardens.
“I’m writing to let you know how much I appreciate the work that you, your staff and the volunteers are doing at Burrendong. Conserving native plants is vital to survival. Here in Colorado, we’re lucky to have the Colorado State University annuals and perennials trial gardens, as well as Denver Botanic Gardens, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and other fine institutions. But to see Burrendong, with its exotic, acid-loving plants, was a rare treat. As you may know, we have alkaline, clay soil in Colorado, so our plants are different here.
“John and Alice Newton, June and the other volunteers positively fussed over us while we enjoyed the delicious lunch. It was delightful to relax and talk with your charming volunteers. Of all the gardens we visited, I believe that Burrendong gave us the warmest welcome, and I’ll never forget it.”
Further to this Ms Courtner wrote two blog posts about seven of the gardens included in the tour, including Burrendong, in an effort to raise awareness of the important work the volunteers are doing.
The ‘Blossoms & Blueprints’ blog can be found by clicking here.