We are a friendly gardening community group interested in promoting climate compatible gardening using plants from the five Mediterranean regions of the world.
We are affiliated to the International Mediterranean Garden Society based in Greece and have close links with other gardening groups in SA, notably the South Australian Open Garden Scheme and the Garden History Society
Informal garden visits to members’ gardens as well as to private gardens opening specially for the South Australian Mediterranean Garden Society.
Meetings every other month to hear guest speakers – topics range from soil and plant care to garden design and a focus on individual plant species.
A quarterly newsletter packed full of news and views on Mediterranean plants and gardening.
Our own resource book based on the collective experience of South Australia Mediterranean Garden Society members gardening in South Australia.
The opportunity to garden together in the Garden of Discovery – part of the Waite historic precinct.
“This is the friendliest, most welcoming group I have ever joined. Great topics at the meetings, and a chance to swap plants. There’s also a really excellent newsletter and lots of folk contribute all manner of good items.”
GARDEN OF DISCOVERY
The South Australian Mediterranean Garden Society is responsible for a garden which forms part of the Waite historic precinct, owned by the University of Adelaide.
We stage working bees 4 times a year for members to help plant, plant, weed and prune the Australian natives which feature in this garden.
A design team composed of Viesturs Cielens, Susan Phillips and Berenice Carrington together with input from the wide community developed a master plan for the gardens surrounding Urrbrae House in 1995. It included historic elements but also new thematic garden rooms – of which the Garden of Discovery (GoD) is one.
The Garden of Discovery references the history of pastoralist Peter Waite and the scientific discoveries achieved on the Waite campus. Artist Diane Langley collaborated on the design and the attractive inlaid pavers were made by artist and SAMGS member Lynn Elzinga Henry.
The Garden of Discovery Working Bee
The South Australia Mediterranean Garden Society undertook a major refurbishment of the Garden of Discovery in 2009, donating many plants and committing to help maintain the garden through regular working bees.
*Access to the Garden of Discovery is through the side gate to Urrbrae House on Claremont Avenue. Tools are provided but members are welcome to bring their own. Morning tea is provided to volunteers – see the newsletter for forthcoming working bee date.
