History and Objectives

The Highlands Garden Society Bowral Inc. is located in the Southern Highlands of NSW town of Bowral. It was founded in December 1976 among a group of people who wanted to share their love of gardening in a context that was welcoming and open. The Society has grown to be the largest gardening club in the region.

The main objective of the Society is to encourage the knowledge of gardening and horticulture in all its aspects within the Southern Highlands of NSW. It will do this by undertaking activities, events and projects that:

  • Provide an opportunity for friendship through a shared love of gardening.
  • Encourage and assist garden related community projects.
  • Work in cooperation with other organisations and agencies.
  • Make, where necessary, appropriate representations aligned with Society’s objective to the local, NSW and Commonwealth governments.

Key benefits of being a member of the Society include:

  • ten monthly meetings each year that each feature a guest speaker, plant exhibits, floral art arrangements and a Q & A segment
  • eleven issues of the Highlands Garden Bulletin that you receive by email
  • visits to members’ gardens in spring, summer and autumn

For more information on these and other activities available to members, please go to the “Become a Member” page or click here

Community

Supporting gardening and horticultural activities in Southern Highlands has long been a key goal of the Highlands Garden Society Bowral. Initiatives of note include.

  • Annual Highlands Spring Flower and Camellia Show and Annual Rose Show that are open to both the public and members
  • Biennial Winter Seminar that is open to both the public and members
  • Interest in a ‘Scented Garden’ goes back to 1982, when the Highlands Garden Society Bowral Inc. first proposed that such a garden be established at Lions Park, in Bowral. The Society assisted with the renovation of the Garden in 2021.
  • Sponsorships for gardening and horticultural students
  • Planting of raised gardens at the Wingecarribee Adult Day Care Centre

Recognition

Many members of the Highlands Garden Society Bowral have dedicated considerable time and effort over the last 45 years to develop the Society into the largest gardening club in the Southern Highlands. The Society recognises the great personal contribution of these people to its success by awarding Life Membership.

The enthusiasm of members has also been recognised by Garden Clubs of Australia for their incredible contributions to their club activities and the local community.

The Highlands Garden Society Bowral is deeply appreciative of the selfless dedication of our Patrons and Presidents